The Other Side by Manndi DeBoef
On our recent trip to the stunningly gorgeous Rocky Mountains of Colorado, there were many highs accompanied by a few lows. The highs far outnumbered the lows. As I was reflecting on this vacation early this morning, a scenario kept replaying in my mind. Obviously with a greater lesson for me to learn once I fully processed the situation.
My fiancé, Justin, along with my two sons, Liam and Waylan and I were embarking on a mountain adventure in a Jeep we rented for the day. We came to a spot Justin and I had visited in the past, but my boys had not. We pulled over and climbed the rocky yet stable terrain of the forest floor. Minutes later, we stood atop a large rock, overlooking the most glorious rushing waterfall in the distance. This spot, being as far as I had been before, was perfectly perfect. For my fiancé, however, he knew there was an even better view in the distance. Only, the way to get there was steep, slick, rough, and rocky.
Lost in reverie at the beauty before my eyes, I turned to see that I was standing alone. Where were my two babies and my man-child?
Mere feet away from where I stood, I saw Justin guiding and propelling himself, along with each of my boys, onward up steep terrain, like a trio of mountain goats. I froze with panic.
Next, against my better judgment, but with the adrenaline of a momma bear, I joined them in the crazy climb. There is nothing that will separate me from my babies, even a pesky rocky mountain terrain.
I stood at the precipice of the large boulder separating me from those three men that are my world. Justin, seeing that I was ready for the attempt, ran to the nearest spot and carefully, lovingly, patiently guided me forward. Telling me where to land one foot, followed by the other, he gently encouraged me forward, despite more than one mini-meltdown as I looked at the steep slide of rock below. One false step and I knew I would plummet to the raging rocky river below, never to be seen or heard from again. Yet.
My kids were on the other side. I forced an inner adventurer to emerge and slowly but surely took one step after another until I was reunited with my family. I hugged them with all my might. Then I yelled at them with the reserve of might I had left. Then, I took stock of the scene before me. What met my wondering eyes was yet another raging river underneath the most breathtaking waterfall I have ever laid eyes upon.
The sheer force of the water cast a spray of mystical rainbow mist all around. The temperature dropped at least ten degrees. My boys, already stripped down to their underwear, were wading in the clear mountain water at the base of the beautiful falls. It was truly the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. And I nearly let fear steal this once-in-a-lifetime treasured moment.
How many times has my Heavenly Father taken me by the hand and gently led me through the treacherous minefield of fear, uncertainty, loss, letting go, and moving forward? All while I was kicking and screaming in a childlike tantrum because I could not see what amazing plans He had, once he faithfully led me through the darkness; that metaphorical treacherous, rocky, slippery slope of uncertainty.
Being a hard-core adventurer doesn’t exactly come naturally to this anxious, overly cautious, safety-touting personality of mine.
However, giving up my sense of control and allowing a more seasoned, safety-ensuring, adventurer to lovingly lead me to one of the most beautiful scenes I may ever know, was more than worth it.
The same is true with Jesus, my faithful companion, who has led me through some of the darkest, most heartbreaking, gut-wrenching seasons I have ever known. Only, He led me through the darkness, to a beautiful, serene, peaceful, intoxicating place on the other side. A magical berg of safety, forgiveness, acceptance seasoned with newfound strength, happiness, and love.
I may never completely abandon my fear, but my faith grows stronger each day. His loyalty and comfort have proven time and time again that the view on the other side of life’s rocky and steep climb, is more than worth the discomfort of getting from one side to the other.
Manndi Maphies DeBoef works at the UMKC School of Pharmacy and as a freelance writer in her spare time. Her greatest passion is being a boy mom to her two sons, William (11) and Waylan (9). Her sons never fail to provide daily entertainment, which inspires many of her writings. She also loves to write about everything from being a single mom and dating after divorce to finding love later in life, the devastation of miscarriage, the loss of a loved one, and starting over. Her pieces are lovingly filled with inspiration, encouragement, and always a touch of humor.