Milestone Syndrome
Philippians 3:13-14 KJV
(13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
(14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Milestone syndrome: getting too consumed with accomplishments and achievements and weariness to press on.
Though I didn’t actually grow up in the mountains of Colorado, my parents did, so we frequently got to visit our grandparents in Buena Vista, right next to the continental divide. (Alas, I still don’t live in the mountains of Colorado, but my parents have built a beautiful home just over the pass from their home town to which we now go as frequently as possible.) My Dad, having grown up tramping all over the mountainside, either fishing or in pursuit of Elk or some other game, was quite developed in his physical ability to climb, while also possessing some critical wisdom and understanding about the best way to finally make it to the top. From an early age I was taken along with Him on some of these adventures that for me were much about just trying to keep up with him and somehow make it to wherever he had set as a goal. Though it was incredibly beautiful with clear mountain air and drinks from clear cold streams, after awhile my greatest focus would be upon that next rise in the trail, hoping that it would be the last. There would be several times along the trail that we might take a break for a few moments, but there was something Dad would not let me do at any of those intermediary arrivals- sit down. I imagine there could be several reasons for standing through those times, but for me I can remember that it kept my legs from cooling down too much, but it also kept me from even thinking about giving up and allowing this temporary achievement to be the end of the trail. There was something so much more significant to which we were pressing and no matter the view from that spot and no matter how far we had already climbed we were about something much higher and he wouldn’t allow our bodies or our minds to let half way be enough. Of all my complaining and of all the hikes we went on, some of which were several miles, I don’t recall us ever failing to reach our intended destination. We never sat down, never rested too long at any point along the way, and were never satisfied until the peak was reached.
There will most certainly be things we apprehend along the way, and there will definitely be noteworthy achievements that mark our path, but as long as we’re trekking this earth we will never have reason to sit down and let half way be enough. After a particularly difficult section of the trail with a slippery, steep grade it may be quite tempting to let weariness dictate and resolution set in, but when the heart is beating the fastest and air is being sucked the most there will be a need to keep standing with an eye ever on the final goal. Getting stopped anywhere along the way or letting anything on this earth become the arrival, destination or goal will inhibit any progress towards the real destination of purpose in Christ. The only significance of any milestone in life will be that it is a place to stand as we get set to press on again over the next rise and through the next meadow or ravine. I’m thankful that while we remain at our Father’s side He will keep us from sitting, ever encouraging us about what lies ahead, and as long as we’re following Him, there will be no doubt about arriving; it will ever be before us as a surety and hope.
