The Path to the Summit

by Ami Hendrickson

You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.

Psalm 16:11

Born in 1939, Junko Tabei, of Japan, was a rather sickly child.

When she was ten, a class trip to Japan’s beautiful volcanic Mount Nasu introduced her to mountain climbing, though family finances made pursuing the hobby impossible.

Tabei joined a climbing club while at university. Though she loved the adventure and the sport, many men refused to climb with her. So, a few years after graduation, in 1969, she formed Japan’s first Ladies’ Climbing Club.

Tabei and her team decided to tackle Mt. Everest. To do so, they needed sponsors. Often, when she went about raising funds, she was told women should be raising children instead.

Still, she persisted until she had enough to mount an expedition.

She hired experienced Sherpa guides to lead the way. When an avalanche struck, Tabei’s Sherpa guide was able to dig her out and save her life. The expedition continued and on May 16, 1975, Tabei became the first woman to summit Mt. Everest.

Tabei continued climbing. In addition to Everest, she became the first woman to successfully climb all “Seven Summits” – the highest mountains on each continent.

Every mountain climber knows that knowledgeable guides are essential if one is to be successful.

“You will show me the path of life,” the Psalmist says.

No matter what mountain you tackle today, be confident that God will lead the way.

Pray

Creator God,
Lead me on the path You want me to travel.
Help me trust You to guide me home.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.