I learned alot this weekend about Rock Climbing. First and foremost, I learned it's hard and it's scary! The most risky part falls on the shoulders (literally) of the lead climber in traditional climbing. The lead climber has to go up the wall of stone without a "net" so to speak. He/she climbs up and places the anchors that are used to attached the rope that will ensure the climbers coming behind the lead will be able to climb without fear of falling completely to the bottom. The climbers who come behind the lead will only fall as far as the anchor below them. More importantly, because they are protected by the rope that was placed by the lead, they can rest when they need to. They have the advantage of being able to take a step up without risking broken bones or even death.
Not so for the lead. The lead risks everything. And the lead suffers while making the trek to the top. He cannot rest, because he doesn't have a rope holding him up. He just has to have faith and shear determination. This weekend, the lead was one of my favorite young men, Chad Peltier. At only 16 years old, he led the climb. As I watched him, I was amazed at his strength and endurance for pain. He knew others were counting on him to set up the climb. When he made it to the top and repelled down to help others make the climb, he was soaked with perspiration. Even his shoes were wet. I looked at his hands, and they were bleeding. What a sacrifice for the rest of us. Amazing for someone so young.
As I read my devotion this morning, I was reminded of another who sacrificed for us. "I am the way, the truth, and the Life." Jesus was a lead climber. He set the course for us so that the path would be made easier.
As I pray each day, know that I pray for each of you. Life is hard sometimes. None of us is immune to trouble. I pray for your comfort and peace and that the path that has been laid out for you is revealed. Grace and Peace....
2 comments:
Powerful, Rene. He is our lead climber. I love the analogy of illustrating him as a climber (upward). Of course, in my book he could be a miner, too and we would follow him no matter what.
Today is Friday. I hope your infusion didn't leave you feeling as bad as the last time.
Hi Renita. That's a powerful observation. I love your analogy of Christ as a lead climber. I automatically think upward. Of course, Jesus could be a coal miner and we would still follow Him. Today is Friday and I hope your infusion went better than the time before.
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