The Way Uphill

There is a path that stretches upward. It is very narrow and long-winded.

The narrowness of this path prevents heavy travelers. And its windedness discourages the impatient.

Travelling along this pathway, you’ll find pilgrims out of every tribe and tongue.

I met a traveler once who had just begun. He was one of the older ones in the little company that trickled through the dusty ambience that hovered about.

He seemed quite worn out, but he had very beautiful eyes that beamed with an inexplicable glow. It was as if he saw something in the distance. Something I couldn’t see.

I asked him, why?

Why leave the security of a home, and the comfort of your predictability?

Why subject your failing body to this tortuous endeavor, instead of reclining the rest of your days away?

He smiled and whispered faintly one word, “Zion!”

Immediately, the rest of the travelers stopped in their tracks, as if he had cast a spell on them by his words. Then, in an unplanned unison, they all began to sing:

“Oh, blessed Zion,

Hallowed are your golden hills,

Upon which rests the great Monarch that rules the Universe.

Oh Glorious Zion,

Far more precious than silver or gold.

Could I have enough of the world’s currency, I still could not capture your worth.

Your hidden treasures far exceed the treasuries of the cosmos,

And your pleasures, the effervescent dainties of this world.

I am glad to spend my life taking the lonely road that leads uphill to thee.

For in no distant moment,

I shall arrive at the City of God!“

As they sang, the air around them swirled and the thick cloud of dust that once brooded over the company began to shine with a golden glow.

Suddenly, the old man smiling even more, pointed up into the distance and my eyes soon followed his staff…

In the direction, he pointed lay a city-like structure that glistened with the most vibrant colours. It seemed like these colours were fully alive and would speak at any point.

Lost in awe, I soaked up this sight until a hand rested on my shoulder. It was the same old man, this time with tears streaming down his beautiful eyes as he mouthed to me

“This is Zion. This is Home!!”