Today was the last full day of training for my climbing adventure next week. Every journey has a story. Telling my story is part of my journey and healing since my wife passed away almost 12 years ago. I share my story as a witness to God's continued presence in my life and as a testimony to encourage others to keep on climbing when the way is steep. After Becky's death I found running cathartic. Then came mountain climbing. Finally I began to surf again. Through it all, God's word has been my best medicine. Reflecting on Scripture has brought me through a very difficult climb called grief, even if it isn't over yet. But God also prompted me to be more physically active than I had been prior to Becky's homegoing. It is amazing to look back and see how he used both his word and his creation to bring healing to my soul. I keep thinking, "God brought me to this mountain, and he will be with me on it." The main point of my journey that I hope you will come away with is this: God will carry you over your mountain, whatever that is. He is a faithful guide and a light to your path.
On my climbs, I've noticed that mountain guides tend to do a lot of calling back. To "call back" is when you call back to your clients to encourage them toward the top. In the spiritual realm, God continually calls back to us to encourage us to keep climbing. This analogy also implies that one should never climb alone. Two weeks after I climbed the Matterhorn, two Brits in their 60s died on the mountain. They failed to use a guide, got lost, and ended up spending the night on the mountain without proper clothing to keep them warm. They froze to death. Life is steep. We shouldn't try to do it alone. I am so thankful for all who have walked beside me in this journey and who have supported me through all my athletic efforts and dreams. My children and grandchildren are the lights of my life and my greatest cheerleaders. It is for all of you that I try and be a good role model of always aspiring to do your best, reaching for your own dreams, and keeping God as your guide in life. The newest additions to our family -- grandsons Reuben and Noah -- have been a testimony of God's timing and plan. They have given me renewed hope in healing. I love you both to the moon and back.
The journey will not end next week. It is ongoing for the amount of time God gives me on this earth. Since it is ongoing, I'll continue to tell the story. Leading others to know and walk with Jesus is more important to me today than ever. So I'll continue to pass on to you what I'm learning about life and loss as I take one step at a time with the Lord. May all who see my words be encouraged and strengthened. And never forget: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed" (Prov. 16:3, NIV).
Thank you for reading. In case you might be interested, here are a few pics from today's workout:
1) Loved seeing the gym so busy today.
2) Doing "hanging" pull ups. Great for your biceps.
3) My final set of dumbbell curls before Zermatt.
4) Walked 9 miles on the treadmill today (too hot to walk outdoors).
6) My final progress picture before leaving for the alps.
I will be climbing 40 pounds lighter than when I climbed 9 years ago. Praise the Lord!