King of the Mountain

“I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.” (Philippians 4:12, AMP).

From where I sit to write, I can see the American flag hung proudly in the front yard. It stands tall. At the top is a ball and a cross bar. Today there is not much breeze so it has become the perch for a variety of birds; some are petite and some crow-sized. The activity is endless and constant. I guess it is much like playing king of the mountain.

Did you ever play that game in the winter as a kid, especially on the tall mounds of plowed snow? It was a rough endeavor to guard and protect your position. As I remember, there was a lot of pushing, shoving and snowballs in the face. But I wanted to get to the top, so amidst tears and anger, I would claw my way up the steep banks of snow and push my opponents out of the way. Down they would slide and there I would stand for a short while until they would conspire and gang up on me to seize my kingdom.

Do we still play that childhood game? That would be an emphatic yes! There was a period in my own life when I was quite confident that I wanted to be at the top. There I thought I could look out over my kingdom with assurance of great pay, insurance, benefits and a staff that would listen to me and love me. I got there but the view at the top was not pretty; in fact, it was very desolate. My colleagues did not hang out with me, I had to reprimand co-workers and answered to a CEO who was mean and ruthless. Being king of the mountain was nothing like the picture I had in mind. I hated it so much that I asked for my old job back and there I thrived.

I had to apologize to my wounded co-workers and prove to them that I still loved them.  More importantly, I had to convince myself that I had value being in a supportive role and doing something that I truly enjoyed.

What can we learn from nature’s activities? Being high up provides great vision, but at the top, the winds are stronger. Watching these birds on the flagpole helps me to recognize my place. These feathered creatures don’t attack or peck at each other; they simply recognize that there is always someone who is bigger and stronger. They move on.

The God Who Moves the Mountains with Corey Voss.

Heavenly Father, help us to thrive in our niche that You have provided for each of us. Teach us to be content in every situation and not to compare ourselves with others. AMEN.