Conquering Mountains and Rivers

Posted by Dan and Carole McClelland

This Christmas, 8 months pregnant, I conquered a mountain and a river in Harrisonburg, VA. 

However, it would not have been possible without my 100% reliance on 

Dan McClelland, my amazing husband.

I have learned so much about God, my Father, Jesus, my Lover, and Holy Spirit, my Best Friend, through my husband, Dan McClelland. He is an man of strong godly character and is an amazing example of God in my life. My relationship with God today has grown so much because of knowing my husband and being challenged and encouraged by him. Not only have I learned in the past, but I still learn and grow through him. This past Christmas was yet another moment where God spoke to me about the upcoming year through my husband and his actions.

      

The best Christmas present ever for the last couple years has been a week in a cabin for Dan and me. It is a time of relaxation for both of us; a time where we reflect on the last year and pray into the next year. It is a time where we let go of all work, ministry and just be TOGETHER as a married couple. We have our own time with God, have Bible studies together, and have worship and prayer times too. This is a time where we quiet our hearts and minds to hear God, and also a time of FUN where we play games, go on hikes, watch movies and enjoy each other.

  

One of Dan's favorite things to do and ways to connect with God is in nature! Walking, hiking, anything outdoors refreshes his soul! This is something that I have grown to love since marrying Dan as I was raised in Chicago and did not have much exposure to the outdoors growing up. However, I love being with my husband and doing things his loves. Over the years, I personally have grown to love it too!

    

We were so excited to find out that there was a national forest with trails about 5 min walk from our cabin! During my pregnancy, I have swam, walked or exercised in some way almost everyday. It has been glorious, and I was excited to walk in the beauty of nature for my exercise during our stay.

Well, I was so dishearten when we arrived at the start of the trail and there was a flowing river that we had to cross to hike the trail. I stood staring at the river thinking I did not want to walk on those slippery rocks let alone jump from one rock to another at 8 months pregnant! I knew that Dan would cross easily so I encouraged him to walk alone and I would go back to the cabin. He said, "No, I want to hike with you. It is always better with you." He asked me to stay by the side as he crossed.

I watched him cross, leaping his long legs from one rock to another with ease. He came back saying, "Yep, you definitely will not be able to cross it at this point. Wait here, as I search out some other places easier for you to cross."

  

He scouted out a few places and found a place. Then immediately, pride welled up inside of me. I said confidently, "Dan, don't you think this place over here is better? It looks like there are more rocks, and it will be easier for me to cross." Again, I am from Chicago while Dan is from a farm with a creek that he played in. He has probably crossed rivers millions of times! Here I am questioning him and thinking I know better. He gently explained why the spot he picked would be better due to more sturdy rocks and less slippery ones.

It was a moment of choice:

Do I completely surrender my will, my way, 

and what I felt was right and trust my husband's wisdom?

I thought for a moment of who my husband is, what He has done for me in the past (protecting me, guiding me, teaching me), and how much He loves me and our baby. It only took a moment of looking back for me and remembering who my husband is to completely surrender and TRUST everything he said.

     

I walked up to the place where he knew was best and watched as he placed rocks along the path making it easier for me to step from one to another. Carefully, planning my every step and where each foot of mine would go, he made the preparations in order to safely have me cross this river so I could go on adventures with him on the trail. After I looked at the path he had made and was confident, he held out his hand for me allowing me to take and hold it for the whole way. I grabbed it; not letting go for a moment as I completely relied on him for my every step.

   

Not only did I cross over the river 5 times in the next couple days, but I climbed a mountain with Dan's help. We went hiking 3 days in a row, each day going further and further into the forest. Together we saw beautiful things while enjoying nature and each other. The last day we were able to hike with Dan's parents when they came down for the weekend to join us which was a blast.

   

It was interesting to notice that Dan's Dad, Rick McClelland, did the same thing that Dan had done on our walks. Dan and his Dad did it together; scouting, placing rocks, stretching out a hand of support for me and Patty, Dan's mom. I knew where Dan had learned it from and imagined Dan's childhood with his dad as he learned through example how to lead. I knew in that moment that our daughter will have the same experiences with her dad.

 

Dan could have gone so much farther without me; he could have accomplished soo much more ground on his own. However, it was not about the end result or about accomplishing anything for him. For him, it was about enjoying the journey with his wife and child. For that I am so grateful. For that I am able to say that I conquered a river and mountain.

A revelation happened that week. God was trying to speak to me. Just like my husband, God has adventures this year, and He wants to take me along. Adventures that, when I face them and look them straight in the eye, I will want to run from them and stay at home. Adventures that I will not and can not do alone. Adventures that He can do easily on His own but chooses to take me along to be with Him, to enjoy Him, and to grow in my relationship with Him. He will scout out the ground and find the best place for me to cross; He will place stepping stones for me to safely cross; and He will hold my hand the whole way. He is standing with his arms stretched out asking me to SURRENDER AND TRUST.

Adventures of 2015

(childbirth, motherhood, ministry and whatever else comes my way),

I am looking you in the eye for a moment and deciding to stay.

Then moving my eyes to my Creator, my Savior and my Guide

and keeping them completely on my God.

I am grabbing His hand.

I am surrendering and trusting.

I am going on adventures

with my Heavenly Father,

with Jesus, my Lover

and Holy Spirit my Best Friend.

How about you? What adventures does God want to take you on this year? Are you willing to surrender and trust?Are you ready to grab his outstretched hand and experience life with Him?He is ready and waiting and so excited!