Mountain Riding: An Extended Metaphor

by SMG

On Palm Sunday, our family chose to venture further than ever since purchasing our scooters. This adventure was unusual because it was spontaneous; we rarely head out unprepared. Usually, we carry the basics to ensure we’re okay no matter what. But Gionni answered my curiosity with a simple, life-changing line:

"Let’s feed your curiosity."

What started as a quick trip to the bakery and around the barrio became the perfect bookend to several weeks of testing boundaries and negotiating challenges. The beginning of the ride was smooth and easy, but as we climbed higher, the road turned rocky, dusty, and unpredictable. I lost my balance more than once.

The experience mirrored the early stages of building relationships. At first, everything feels symmetrical, exciting, and easy as we discover our similarities. But deeper connection always uncovers differences that can be perceived as challenges—or opportunities—depending on perspective.

Faith Lesson 1: Embrace Uncertainty as Part of the Journey

Life’s “mountains” will test your courage. Smooth roads are rare; most growth happens when you face the rocky inclines. Trust in God’s guidance and allow the uncertainty to teach patience, perspective, and resilience. Just as I pushed past my fear of the unknown, so too can we lean into faith when life feels unpredictable.

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Our scooters navigating the mountain path on Palm Sunday, a vivid reminder of life’s peaks, dips, and lessons in partnership and trust. Liberia, Costa Rica (photo credit: Black and Wanderlust)

Oftentimes, I was alone in my desire to climb higher, while Gionni assessed the path ahead carefully, silently suggesting we might turn back. My optimism encouraged him to move past his own anxiety. Being unsure of the road ahead unnerved him, as our father and husband, but he remained present, leading thoughtfully. I, too, questioned whether we should continue, yet a quiet inner voice urged me forward.

“As we continue through life together we will undoubtedly encounter peaks and dips along the way. We are each other’s coaches, captains, and cheerleaders.”

Coming down the mountain was different: easier for him but treacherous for me. Knowing what lay ahead made me tense, and I fell—scrapes, bumps, and bruises included. Yet Gionni secured our son, returned for me, and helped me finish the ride safely. Each fall revealed trust, interdependence, and the importance of allowing others to support us.

Faith Lesson 2: Trust Others to Support You 

Faith is not only about trusting God but also about embracing the support He places around you. Relationships—spousal, familial, or communal—require us to relinquish perfectionism and allow others to hold space for us. Leaning on others is a spiritual practice, a way to honor both God and the gifts He gives through people.

This mountain ride became a metaphor for life: our differences, responses, and triggers are what make us complementary. Observing how we each adapt, support, and challenge one another is the essence of growth in partnership, family, and community.

Transformational Practice: Map Your Personal Mountains

• Identify a personal challenge or “mountain” in your life.

• Reflect on which parts you can navigate independently and which require support.

• Communicate with your partner, friend, or mentor about how you can lean on each other.

• Take intentional action to climb, step by step, celebrating small victories.

What encourages you to push your boundaries? Share your triumphs with us in the comments below.

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©2018 A Zulu Brownz Ink

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SMG is a storyteller, photographer, and founder of Black and Wanderlust™. She captures life’s adventures and quiet moments alike, blending faith, family, and wanderlust into stories that inspire intentional living and authentic joy.