The Mountain You're On

Finding Rest in the Place God Has Placed You

The wind howled as he took his final steps before coming to a rest. His lungs burned and legs ached. Every step had been a battle between determination and exhaustion. But now, at the summit, he was met with a sight that stole his breath for a different reason—endless peaks stretching toward the heavens, a masterpiece painted by the Creator Himself.

For a moment, he stood in awe. But then, his eyes fixated on a mountain in the distance—taller, grander, seemingly more magnificent. He turned with eyes wide open to his guide, a seasoned climber who had walked these trails for years, and asked, "How do we get there?"

The guide chuckled, leaning on his climbing stick. "First, you gotta learn to appreciate the mountain you're currently standing on."

The Trap of the Next Thing

We live in a culture obsessed with "what’s next." The next promotion, the next relationship, the next achievement. We measure progress by motion—climbing, chasing, striving. And while ambition can be a gift, it often blinds us to the beauty of this moment, the one you are currently standing in.

How often do we stand on the summit of a long-fought victory, only to immediately search for another peak to conquer? We rob ourselves of the joy of this mountain because our eyes are already fixed on the next one.

Jesus Himself addressed this in Matthew 6:34: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." The enemy of gratitude is discontentment disguised as drive. While goals aren’t inherently bad, they become toxic when they convince us that joy is always one achievement away.

The Discipline of Presence

Paul understood this well when he wrote in Philippians 4, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation..." The key phrase here? I have learned. Contentment is not natural—it’s cultivated.

Appreciating your current mountain means practicing the discipline of presence:

1. Celebrate Small Wins – Don’t downplay what God has already done. If He brought you here, it’s worth acknowledging. The land of ”never enough” is exhausting, so make time to take some small victory laps here and there.

2. Savor the View – Before rushing ahead, take time to marvel at where He has placed you. What lessons is this season teaching you? What relationships has it given you? What prayers has it answered? How have you seen God’s hand and heart?

3. Trust God’s Timing – Not every mountain is meant to be climbed immediately. Some are meant to be rested on. Some are meant to be appreciated. And some are meant to be preparation for the next one.

What If This Mountain Is Enough?

A few months ago, I made a God-prompted move from Texas to Tennessee, swapping my role as a pastor for a new chapter in the radio and film industry. The shift was clear, but the transition? A whole different story. Three months in, and I still feel the emotional altitude sickness from the climb.

I haven’t found my people yet. At church, I’m mostly invisible. Work is a crash course in learning curves. Even my go-to grocery store staples have changed—I’m still searching for my new favorite cheese. It’s tempting to look way out on the horizon for joy and purpose, but truthfully, if I have the eyes to see, I can find it right here.

1. I’m navigating one of life’s biggest plot twists with my best friend and wife, Carrie.

2. A handful of old friends and family are now part of my daily rhythms instead of just holiday visits.

3. I have a meaningful job that provides for my family and challenges me to grow.

This mountain I’m currently on? It’s breathtaking—if I have the courage to look around and take it in.

Where are you standing right now? Have you taken a moment to look around with eyes of gratitude?

Imagine standing on your current mountain and, instead of fixating on the next one, you take a deep breath and simply thank God for this place. What if you allowed yourself to feel the joy of now? What if, instead of rushing ahead, you rested in the truth that you are exactly where God wants you to be?

Yes, there will always be another peak. Another challenge. Another journey. But today? Today, is worth cherishing.

The guide's wisdom still echoes: First, learn to appreciate the mountain you're standing on.

May we both have the courage to do just that.

Spread the gift of gratitude—share this article and drop three things you’re thankful for. You never know who might need the reminder to pause and appreciate the mountain they’re on.