Upfront August 15, 2011 ISSUE

Spiritual uplift

Jeff Ward-Bailey, Staff Editor

I’m not sure I’ve ever felt more uplifted than I did at the top of El Yunque.

The mountain, which sits in a rainforest in Puerto Rico, isn’t particularly tall as mountains go (although it’s one of the island’s highest), but a few years ago I spent all day scrambling up its slope with a small group of friends, slipping on the narrow, muddy trail and sweating in the tropical heat. On the summit we were rewarded with a commanding view of the valley and a heady sense of accomplishment at having made it to the top. The view also reminded me of an important spiritual lesson: Our perseverance in prayer always opens us up to clearer ideas and understanding, to more expansive spiritual vistas.

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