Motherhood is full of little mountains to climb every day. You know the metaphorical “mountains” I’m talking about, like the uphill struggle of getting a toddler who’s picky about food to eat her dinner or the actual mountain of laundry that you don’t have time for. Regardless of how the mountains manifest, every parent has climbed many.
I recently got to do something fun and attempted to climb a real mountain. I took a day trip to Harpeth River State Park with my sister to do some hiking, and I brought my 14-month-old daughter with us.
The trail we chose included a steep half-mile ascent to a bluff overlooking a panoramic view of the Harpeth Valley. I’ve hiked this trail once before, about three years ago pre-motherhood. I know it’s a tough trail, but the view at the top is so worth it. I was excited to see it again, this time with my daughter and sister beside me.
Ready to start the hike, I carried my daughter on my back in a Kelty child carrier. My sister brought her dog, and they led the way a few paces ahead of us. If I thought this trail was tough last time, it was even tougher now with a 25-pound baby on my back. Nevertheless, I was motivated and confident that I could make it to the top.
SPOILER—we didn’t make it to the top.
A couple of other hikers on their descent warned us that they had seen a storm approaching from the lookout point, and they encouraged us to turn around. I noticed the wind was getting stronger and it was beginning to sprinkle. Within minutes it was pouring and thundering. We had to turn back. With the trail getting muddy and the possibility of lightning, we didn’t want to take any chances that one of us would fall or get hurt.
We headed back to our car damp and disappointed. Thankfully, we made it back safely and I had some towels for us to dry off with + a change of clothes for my daughter who’d also gotten wet. This wasn’t how I pictured things would go at all.
It’s the Climb, Not the Destination
The hike at Harpeth River didn’t go as well as I’d hoped it would, but I still learned something really valuable from the experience. Being a mom shouldn’t stop you from trying to climb mountains. Whether or not you reach the top doesn’t matter as much as just giving it your best effort.
When I was about to become a mom for the first time, I feared losing the part of myself that thrived on adventure, challenge, and taking a healthy risk once in a while. It was already a struggle to balance that side of me with the more dominant parts of my personality that preferred routine, comfort, and familiarity.
Even though I didn’t make it up to the bluff at the top, that hike rekindled my enjoyment of the outdoors. My love for adventure hasn’t faded. I’ve taken more hikes with my daughter since then, and we plan to attempt the Harpeth River trail again soon.
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Reflection: What’s Your Mountain?
Ultimately, I hope other moms can learn from my story that taking on challenges and pursuing your passions doesn’t have to stop when you become a mother. Whatever mountain you’re trying to climb, keep at it!
Right now, my mountain is trying to wake up earlier to make more time for my creative outlets (like this blog). What’s your mountain? Whatever it is, if you let God lead you, you won’t fail or fall. He sees the obstacles and storms ahead of you before you do, and he has a plan to get you through them.
Dialogue with God through prayer about the mountains you’re facing right now. Dive into scripture, and consider visiting the story of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Matthew Ch. 17. Jesus led three of his disciples up a mountain to reveal his divinity to them. What good things could Jesus have in store for you if you start climbing your mountain?