I am a mountain climber

Bear with me for a little bit because I'm going to talk about mountain climbing first. I promise this has something to do with labor:)

Imagine you are climbing a very difficult mountain. There are numerous trails, it's pretty steep towards the top, and there are many times you just really feel like you can't make it. In fact there are times when you are absolutely sure you can't make it. You keep going though, because you've been told that the view on the top is spectacular. Like something you've never seen before or could describe. And you get to the top and you realize that it is true and you are so grateful you pushed your way up that hill.

Let's say as you are climbing your mountain you find out that, while you have been pushed beyond what you thought you could do, you did do it. After that mountain climb and after you've seen that spectacular view you take that knowledge with you for the rest of your life. You have the ability to overcome. Also as you are climbing, you see plants that you never saw before, new birds, and new flowers. While these things aren't necessarily as awe-inspiring as the top, they bring you joy as you move along and that too stays with you once you have finished your journey. There are little beauties in your struggles and new knowledge to gain all around you. As you were traveling, your spouse came with you. As you were climbing, he could not take away your struggles, but his gentle touch on your arm and his encouragement through it all brought you closer together as you worked to both see the view at the top. That too stayed with you after you got back down. It was something you could trust in...your spouse was there by your side to help you.

Labor has been a lot like climbing a mountain for me. While of course having a child at the end of the journey is the most wonderful thing to have, the journey itself has taught me a lot. Mostly because it is a journey of self-discovery and beauty, and how to find peace through the pain.