See here for Challenge # 1

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I had to conquer these hills. I was determined. A friend offered me a driving lesson.

So forty five years after passing my driving test I had another lesson.

‘I’ll drive first,’ my friend said, ‘to show you the car can cope.’

Relieved, I strapped myself into the passenger seat, and off we went. We soared up the steep hill on the quiet road with no problem at all.

As I thought, the problem was probably the driver rather than the car.

My friend pulled in at the bottom of the hill.

‘Just keep your foot steady on the pedal,’ they said.

And I too soared up the hill. No problem! It was more alarming coming down in fact, but I did that too.  And my heart sang to Christ, through whom I can do all things.

But one challenge lay ahead in these first few days of living in this new hilly place.

I had to tackle the windy, curvy hill to the view point overlooking the sea.

I knew I couldn’t soar on this road. I decided to do it alone, rather than terrifying anyone else if I should stall on the way up – or go too fast on the way down.

So this afternoon I set off, determined. I could have driven at sea level to the end of the road but, as if the car was determined to show me we could do it together, we veered left and started to climb

Up and up, round to the left and the right, slowing right down to go over speed bumps to deter more accomplished and speedy drivers than myself. Would I ever find enough power to continue the climb having gone slowly over the bumps? Up and up – to the top!

Some of the bends had been a bit scary. Some of the slopes were very steep. But we made it together my little car and I – with the Christ who strengthens me!

I sat in the car park and took a few deep breaths to calm my nerves and steady my hands.

I looked around. Well, as I was here now, I might as well walk to the top of the cliff and see the view. So I headed down the slope and up the final crest of the hill – and smelt the sea!

Today, I smelt the sea!

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!