Circling the Base of the Mountain

I went to a church meeting this week, and something one of the speakers said really struck a chord with me.   He said that he lives near this mountain, that is rather steep, and has hiked it a few times.  Each time, before the hike, he has walked the path at the base of the mountain, which is a nice, easy path, contemplating how hard the hike is going to be.  He thinks about how unprepared he is, how old, out of shape, etc he is, as he circles the base of this mountain.

I have been circling the base of the mountain for a long time now.  I keep walking the familiar path, musing about how hard it would be to get to where I want to be.  I am unprepared, too old, too out of shape, to make that climb., so I continue to circle.  I circle and circle, looking up, and thinking how I'll never get there.  Thinking how amazing it must be up there, but not sure if I'm up to the climb.

This path at the base of the mountain is an easy one.  If it weren't for that looming mountain in the middle constantly reminding me that it's there to climb, I'd be quite content to circle forever.  Or would I?
It gets pretty boring, playing it small and safe, walking the flat, circular path of familiarity.  There are no surprises, no victories, no discoveries, no amazing views, just the same old thing, over and over again.  No risk, and no reward.

The only way to climb a mountain is to put one foot on the path pointing up, and let the other follow.  One step at a time, in the right direction.  The pace is not important, only the direction and that you keep moving.  If I'm not prepared, I need to get prepared.  If I'm not fit to climb, I better get fit.  All this circling and musing is wasting too much time.  If I think I am too old now, I'll only be that much older if I keep putting things off.

So, ok, I'm tired of circling.  It's getting boring down here looking at all the tree trunks.  I think it is time to start that climb and see the view from the clouds.