I can understand the draw of the monastery for many.  In solitude and peace, it is easy to be the person we know we were created to be.  When we are on the top of the mountain, above the clouds and away from the daily cares of the world, it isn’t difficult to love our neighbors as ourselves and to think and say things of peace and goodwill.

In recent months, my family has afforded me the opportunity to get away in that incredible solitude to write my book.  Without the daily cares of running a home and caring for my husband and children, I could spend hours a day reading God’s Word, praying, worshiping, writing and hearing from my Savior.  What a utopia.  I spent a lot of time thinking about the wonderful person I would be when I returned home and how much more loving I was becoming. But something happens when you descend from the mountain.  Life is there, and in that life there are cares to tend to, fights to break up, meals to prepare, spouses to honor, children to love and endless spots and smears to clean.

Suddenly, the person you thought you were becoming fades into a dream and the one remaining reminds you of the constant disappointment you carried around for so long.  But if you take the time to look in the mirror and stare at the reflection you see, you will find something interesting.  If your heart has changed and you are earnestly seeking after the heart of your Savior, the countenance of the one staring back will be different.  Suddenly, the eyes that could only see what was wrong with who you are will be opened to see the one you are becoming.

Yes, the trip down from the mountain top can be a hard one as it seems the more you descend, the more imperfect you become. But if we stay in solitude, we will miss all of the great opportunities to grow, and we will miss the wonderful people who are part of the experience.

So my solution is this.  Don’t long for the mountain when you are blessed with the moments.  And instead of running off to join a monastery, find your mountain top moments every day by carving out your time with God, not just to read His Word and pray, but to worship Him with all your heart.  You will find  the mountain top  when you fall on your knees.

Come down from the mountain.  Your destiny is waiting.