We all want to feel like we have control over our lives. We want to always have the answers, have a plan, and even a backup plan. But the truth is, we don't have control. And our plan is not "the" plan. Life is a journey and sometimes we are just sending postcards from the edge.
Right now, you may find yourself facing the climb of your life, with no ropes and barely keeping your grip. The trail may seem steep and difficult. Your legs may be wobbling and your calves burning. At times you may be crawling on your bloody hands and knees up rocks and roots, in an effort that leaves you panting and drained. On other days you may be more prepared, equipped with new hiking boots and a warm down jacket, with plenty of water, snacks, a lightweight backpack, and a mobile GPS app with perfect cell service.
But wherever you are on your journey, remember that God is with you. He will carry you until you crawl, protect you until you are stable, and walk beside you until its time to run home.
Abraham carried the weight of knowing his son, the thing he treasured most in the world, would die at the end of it.
Moses carried the weight of an entire nation of freed slaves and had no idea where he was going.
The disciples carried the weight of thousands of years of hopes dashed to pieces at the hands of the Roman empire.
These are not easy burdens to climb with. Arguably, they are far heavier than any provisions you would normally take on a hike, but climbing a mountain is not something you do leisurely. It’s hard work, often grueling, and with the weight of the world on your shoulders, it becomes extremely tempting to turn back.
Some say that the climb itself is more important than the summit and that the process of overcoming challenges can teach us about ourselves. Others suggest that patience and diligence are key to making progress, even when it's not immediately apparent.
Whatever your mountain to climb, focus on the movements, not the goal. Life isn’t a race. We all have our own experiences and circumstances that help determine how it goes. Some people may find success before you, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Some people may find love before you, but that doesn’t mean you won’t. Some people may find happiness before you, but that doesn’t mean you’re bound to sorrow. Be patient and what is meant to come will come.
If you view crossing the finish line as the measure of your life, you’re setting yourself up for a personal disappointment. You need to honor the highs and the peaks in the moments — you need to prepare your life for them — but recognize the fact that the preparation for those moments is your life and, in fact, that’s the richness of your life. The challenge that we set for each other, and the way that we shape ourselves to rise to that challenge, is life.
Life isn’t a hundred-meter race against your friends, but a lifelong marathon against yourself. You don’t have to win anything. There is no competition. You are enough exactly as you are.
Do not let your years slip through your fingers by living in the past, or the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.
Do not give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.
It’s the sides of the mountains which sustain life, not the top. It's here where things grow. Growth and a sustainable everyday life don’t happen at the top, it’s on the path towards those higher peaks and summits…that is where the real beauty is. It’s where contentment lives.
In this life, we are all just walking up the mountain, and we can sing as we climb or we can complain about our sore feet. Whichever we choose, we still have to do the hike.
The best view comes after the hardest climb. When preparing to climb a mountain, pack a light heart. Sometimes in life, we don't get to choose the mountain; it chooses us. You can’t move mountains by whispering at them. You move them one stone at a time.
Focusing on small achievable milestones lends itself to living in the here and now. After all, the present is all we really have. The past is gone, and the future has not yet come.
Don’t wait until you reach your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take. Ascend the next mountain not to plant your flag but to embrace the challenge. Climb it so that you can see the world, not for the world to see you.
Chicken Parmesan Tortellini Bake
INGREDIENTS
- 16 ounces refrigerated four cheese tortellini (if using frozen, thaw first)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, divided
- ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara sauce
- ¾ cup grated parmesan, divided
- 1/3 cup fresh basil
- zest of one large lemon
- 12 ounces of sliced mozzarella
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 butter melted
- Fresh basil or oregano for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked and the onions are golden brown for 10 to 12 minutes. Add chicken stock and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Season with salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Add the marinara sauce, fresh basil, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the chicken mixture and stir to combine. Stir in half of the parmesan and all of the tortellini. Top with mozzarella.
- Combine panko, oregano, melted butter, remaining parmesan, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle over the mozzarella.
- Bake on the top oven rack until hot and bubbling and the cheese turns golden about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and season with more salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
