Swithbacks

We use to hike in the Rocky mountains as a kid/teen and I remember looking ahead at the top of a ridge that we had to walk over.  I soon learned that to get over that ridge the trail would take many switchbacks.  Back and forth up the side of the mountain: gradually getting you to the top of the ridge.  I use to think, these silly switch backs are such a waste of time.  This hike would be so much shorter if we just had a trail that went straight up the mountain ridge.  I couldn't see the value of a switchback.
Went to a cross country meet yesterday and the course had a number of switchbacks.  It was great for the crowd because we could watch a lot of the race without having to run/walk very far for ourselves.  Not sure the runners could see that value, but for me it made life easy.
Another day at work, another meeting, another event with responsibilities... life just seems to go on and on.  A continued road of switchbacks up the mountain of life.  Can you see God working in the routine of life, or only in the spectacular? Is there a purpose for everyday living or are we just going through the grind of everyday to find the weekend?