The Mountain

At the crossroads waiting I stand

With my future in my hand.

There’s much to meet my searching gaze

In life’s dark and twisted maze.

The valley is a peaceful scene

With waters still, meadows green.

The fields of plenty round me spread

Where men toiled to earn their bread.

I see the cities strong and fair:

Others fought and conquered there.

I see the flocks on hill and plain:

The means of another‟s gain.

Oh Lord, I ask, where is my place,

and the foes that I must face?

There in the valley I still stand

watching for God’s guiding hand

When I behold another sight

Tow’ring in the sunshine bright--

A mountain stands with chasms deep,

Its cliffs tall and very steep.

That giant monument of stone

stands unconquered and alone

For many choose to dwell below

Daring not to face the foe.

Lord I fear the mountain‟s height;

I have not the strength to fight.

Where for refuge could I go

When winds cold and bitter blow?

As I stand there counting the cost

to all else my gaze is lost.

Lord I hear you pleading with me:

“Will you follow where I lead?

Will you cherish that still, small voice?

Only you can make the choice.”

You braved the heights ahead of me

Leading me to victory.

Lord, I long for higher ground

where your footsteps can be found,

For I can here no longer stay

Where earth’s shadows round me lay.

Give me this mountain, Lord, I ask;

Lead me ‘til I’m home at last!

(Jennita Ruud, 2013)