How often do we truly pause to consider the profound symbolism hidden within the mundane objects of our everyday lives? For me, an unassuming set of stairs within my own home transcends its architectural function to become a powerful, unwavering reminder of life’s most precious lessons. It’s not a grand monument or an ancient artifact, but rather a simple white staircase that holds an extraordinary place in my heart and mind. Each ascent and descent offers a moment of reflection, a gentle nudge towards gratitude, resilience, and spiritual awakening. These aren’t just steps; they are silent teachers, narrating a story of vulnerability, strength, and the transformative power of mindful living.
You see that staircase behind me? Its crisp white risers and welcoming banisters are more than just a pathway between floors. They are the most significant architectural feature in my entire house, not for their design, but for the profound memories and continuous lessons they evoke. Every single time my eyes fall upon them, or my feet begin to climb, two critical themes immediately surface in my consciousness. These aren’t fleeting thoughts; they are deeply embedded truths that have shaped my understanding of life, health, and purpose. The staircase stands as a constant beacon, illuminating the incredible miracles of our physical existence and the quiet, guiding whispers that shape our spiritual journeys.
1. The Miraculous Resilience of Our Healthy Bodies 💪🏻
The first profound lesson etched into the very fabric of those stairs is an overwhelming appreciation for the miracle that is our healthy body. This understanding wasn’t born from an instantaneous revelation but forged through contrasting experiences – from youthful vigor to severe illness, and ultimately, to profound recovery.
A Youthful Vow: Conquering the Stairs
I distinctly remember my college days, living in the unique environment of Rexburg, Idaho, and attending BYU-Idaho. The campus was always bustling, and amidst the student notices, ubiquitous signs encouraged us to “Take the Stairs!” and “Strengthen Your Heart!” In my first two years, without the luxury of a car, walking was not merely an option but a daily necessity. I traversed campus uphill, often battling Rexburg’s infamous snow, biting winds, and freezing temperatures – a reality any former BYU-I student can attest to. By the time I reached my classes, I was already “huffing and puffing,” quite literally getting my cardio in. Yet, those signs sparked a competitive spirit within me. I made a personal commitment: I would run up every single flight of stairs I encountered. It became a personal barometer; if I couldn’t make it to the top without struggling more than usual, I knew I wasn’t adequately caring for my physical well-being.
This youthful determination wasn’t just about fitness; it was about embracing the physical capability I possessed, a capability I then largely took for granted. The stairs were a playground, a challenge, and a simple measure of my perceived strength. Little did I know, they would one day become a painful reminder of extreme vulnerability.
The Ordeal of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Years passed, and while I continued my habit of running up stairs as a quick way to get my heart pumping, life presented a challenge that truly put my body – and my spirit – to the ultimate test. During my pregnancies, I suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition far more severe than typical morning sickness. It was a relentless and debilitating illness that systematically stripped every ounce of energy and strength from me. HG isn’t just nausea; it’s extreme, intractable vomiting that leads to severe dehydration, significant weight loss, and malnutrition. There were days I would literally find myself collapsing from the sheer exhaustion and profound physical toll of dehydration and starvation.
During those dark times, the simple act of climbing my own staircase transformed from a routine exercise into an insurmountable obstacle. Each step felt like a monumental effort, a cruel reminder of how quickly my once-strong body had become frail. The stairs, which once represented strength and vitality, now symbolized my weakness and utter dependence.
Profound Gratitude for Life and Support
It was during this period that the stairs truly taught me about the miraculous nature of our bodies and the incredible gift of life. To simply walk, to climb, to function without debilitating illness became the ultimate luxury. Now, when I see those stairs, they don’t just remind me to care for my body; they compel me to be profoundly grateful for every single day of health and every fundamental function it performs. They are a tangible reminder that I am alive, that our precious babies all survived the harrowing ordeal, and that this incredible resilience and recovery were possible only through the unwavering support of my Savior and the gentle, Herculean efforts of my husband.
The gratitude I feel when I recall Cade’s strong arms carrying my weak, barely 80-pound body up those very stairs is overwhelming. It’s a memory so potent, so laden with emotion, that even typing about it brings tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. His love, strength, and dedication during my most vulnerable moments are forever etched into the memory of that staircase.
Life truly is an incredible, fragile gift. It demands not only our appreciation but also our active remembrance of those who have loved us, supported us, and literally carried us through our darkest hours. The staircase stands as a monument to this truth, a daily testament to resilience, the power of love, and the enduring miracle of simply being alive. It urges me to cherish my body, embrace its capabilities, and never forget the profound journey it has carried me through. It’s a reminder to nourish it, protect it, and celebrate the incredible complexity that allows us to move, breathe, and experience the world.
2. The Staircase as a Catalyst for Spiritual Listening and Personal Growth
Beyond the physical reminders, these stairs have played an equally transformative role in my spiritual and personal development. They aren’t just a symbol of gratitude; they’ve been an active participant in reshaping my character and deepening my connection to divine guidance. This second lesson is about learning to listen, to act, and to trust the subtle promptings that guide our lives.
The Power of Immediate Action on Good Thoughts
Many years ago, I made a significant personal goal: anytime I had a good thought or a positive prompting, I would act on it immediately. This wasn’t just about productivity; it was about cultivating a habit of responsiveness. For example, if I ran upstairs to retrieve something and a thought popped into my mind – “text so-and-so,” “get meat out for dinner,” or even “grab that pencil and put it away” – I committed to stopping whatever I was doing and completing that task right away. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant, the action had to be immediate.
In the beginning, this practice was incredibly challenging. My natural inclination was to defer: “Okay, I’ll just run to the bathroom first,” or “I’ll finish this quick chore, and then I’ll do that.” However, the outcome was almost always the same: within two minutes, the thought would vanish, forgotten amidst the flurry of daily activities. This pattern of delay and forgetfulness was frustrating, highlighting a disconnect between intention and execution. I realized I was letting valuable promptings slip away, not out of malice, but simply due to a lack of immediate follow-through.
Recognizing the Voice of Guidance
I had long heard speakers at church emphasize the importance of learning to listen better and recognize the voice of our Heavenly Father. Often, this meant acting on those small, often subtle, feelings or impressions. Our belief system teaches that prayer is not just about speaking, but also about receiving answers and divine direction in life. The crucial part, however, is being able to recognize how these answers manifest. They might come as a clear, good thought that comes to mind – have you ever had someone suddenly come to mind, texted them, only to find out they desperately needed to hear from you? Or perhaps it’s a quiet feeling of peace or love that fills you in such an indescribable way, yet it’s undeniably profound?
Life, as we all know, is incredibly busy and often noisy. There were times I felt disconnected, as if I wasn’t receiving any guidance at all. It was precisely because of this feeling that I started the habit of acting on promptings immediately. I needed to create a clear channel, to train myself to be receptive and responsive. And surprisingly, the staircase became a central point for this practice.
The Stairs: A Training Ground for Responsiveness
It was astonishing how often these “good thoughts” or promptings would hit me just as I was running up or down this particular flight of stairs. Perhaps it was the momentary pause, the physical effort, or simply the routine that created a mental space for these impressions to surface. Regardless of the reason, the stairs became my training ground. Instead of continuing my original task, I would consciously turn back around and go complete the newly impressed task. This required discipline, a breaking of old habits, and a commitment to prioritize these subtle nudges.
I can confidently say, I am a different person because of this consistent practice. The changes have been multifaceted and deeply impactful:
- Increased Peace: I feel a profound sense of peace much more often. Acting on these promptings creates an alignment, a feeling of being in flow, and a reduction in mental clutter and anxiety. It’s as if I’m living more in harmony with a higher purpose.
- Greater Productivity: Surprisingly, by “interrupting” my tasks to follow a prompting, I actually get more done in a day. The memory retention improves, and fewer things fall through the cracks. It’s an efficient, intuitive way of managing priorities that often feels counterintuitive at first.
- Witnessing Miracles: Most significantly, I have witnessed undeniable miracles in the last year that simply could not have happened had I not been diligently practicing listening to the “little things.” These “little things” are the foundation, preparing me to recognize and respond to the “bigger things” – the major inspirations, opportunities, or warnings that shape my path and bring about extraordinary outcomes in my life and the lives of those around me.
Every single time I see these stairs, they serve as a potent reminder of that promise I made to myself. They reinforce my determination to continue this practice, to keep listening, and to keep acting immediately. This simple habit, nurtured and reinforced by the daily routine of traversing a staircase, is genuinely changing me forever, guiding me toward a more purposeful, peaceful, and miraculous life.
Embracing the Journey: Lessons from a Staircase
The white staircase in my home is far more than just a structural element; it’s a profound teacher, a silent mentor, and a daily source of inspiration. It embodies the dual lessons of physical gratitude and spiritual responsiveness, weaving them into the fabric of my everyday existence.
From the harrowing journey through hyperemesis gravidarum to the quiet discipline of acting on divine promptings, these stairs have been witness to my deepest vulnerabilities and my most significant transformations. They stand as a testament to the miraculous resilience of the human body and the unparalleled power of love and support, both human and divine. They remind me to cherish every breath, every step, and every moment of health we are granted, never taking the simple act of movement for granted.
Concurrently, the staircase constantly calls me to a higher form of listening – to the subtle whispers, the good thoughts, the gentle nudges that guide us through life. It encourages me to shed the habit of procrastination and embrace the immediate, transformative power of obedience to these inner promptings. This practice has not only brought me greater peace and productivity but has opened my eyes to the everyday miracles that unfold when we are truly aligned and receptive.
My hope is that my experience with this ordinary staircase can inspire you to look at the ordinary objects and routines in your own life with fresh eyes. What seemingly mundane thing in your environment holds profound lessons or reminds you of significant truths? May we all find our own “staircases” – symbols that anchor us to gratitude, propel us towards growth, and remind us of the incredible, often unseen, guidance that surrounds us. Life is a continuous journey of discovery, and sometimes, the most profound wisdom is found in the simplest steps we take, day after day, up and down the pathways of our lives.