“[we pray that you may be] strengthened and invigorated with all power, according to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (God’s people) in the Light.”
Colossians 1.11-12 (AMP)
Marking the Columbia River’s convergence with the Pacific Ocean is a 125-foot concrete and steel tower standing atop a hill in Astoria, Oregon. At 600 feet above sea level, the column provides an unobstructed view of Mount Hood; the Pacific Ocean; the Columbia River; and the City of Astoria, Oregon. The 500-foot spiral hand-painted frieze is equally impressive, depicting three significant events associated with the Oregon Territories’ founding. Standing atop the column offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view, only seen after ascending 146 steps of a spiral staircase contained within the column.
Climbing was dizzyingly tiring for a young child and disappointing. The inside of the column was stucco-covered brickwork and metal spiral stairs. It was dark and dank.
But the reward awaits you upon reaching the top stair. The light strikes you through the solitary doorway, where you step onto the circular balcony. Walking through the sun-filled portal, you experience a stunning view of the Columbia River, Astoria Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Forgotten is the dreary climb on a drab metal staircase surrounded by stucco.
Even decades later, when you see Astoria Tower pictures, your immediate recollection is of wonder and the fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. It is not the dark interior and the dreary climb. Why? Because the monument’s design and construction allow visitors to experience the monument physically, visually, and emotionally. Our senses are engaged in our interaction in and around the tower. The pinnacle event awaits us at the end of the climb. And that experience, the awe of the moment walking out onto the balcony, is remembered.
Relationship
God, the architect of our world and lives, designed us to experience life and Him, spiritually and with all our senses, to interact with Him as we interact with the world. But sometimes, we feel adrift, alone, and dizzily walking in circles. We also experience beautiful life events filled with joy and happiness. Which ones do we remember? Life is hard, and the journey is difficult. Climbing life’s stairs is exhausting and dull when climbing alone, especially when the dark surrounds you. Have you walked into the light and onto the balcony, or are you stuck on the dreary stairs? We learn to see our lives through a different lens when climbing. We have to experience life and His creation as God the Architect designed.
God desires and designed you for a relationship, to walk with you during the climb. He sent his Son to provide you with a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance. (1 Pet. 1:3-6) Sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. (Eph. 1:13) Do you know him? If you do, don’t lose heart.
Keep Climbing
The journey and its troubles are a light momentary affliction in light of life. Remember, a banquet awaits. (Ps. 23) Sometimes tricky, dreary, and dull, the journey is filled with joy and happiness. Both prepare us for the glory beyond all comparison. (2 Cor. 4-16-18) What we see now is not the end. Press on toward the goal of winning the prize. (Phil. 3:14) Focus your journey on the light. Rejoice! You will finish the race and walk through the sun-filled portal to a place where you will know and be fully known. (1 Cor. 13:12). Until then, keep climbing. Experience life with Him and through His Spirit. One day you will step out at the top step and experience His Glory beyond all comparison.
The climb will pale and be forgotten, replaced with unspeakable joy because you will see He was always there for you. Always.
Enjoy the view.
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