Journeys, Spiritual and Otherwise

When our sons were still young we decided to take vacations to see the magnificent country we live in. We realized that once our sons were teenagers they would have jobs, friends, and obligations to sports teams that might interfere with long vacations.

The first few vacations taught us a number of things: how to plan our trips, where and who to turn to for information, equipment we would need and special things to pack. We did not camp out, unless you consider Motel 6 camping out, but we did cook a number of our meals on a propane camp stove or over a wood fire when it was allowed and available.

While all our vacations were memorable certain ones stand out. In 1981 with son Jeff 10 years old and son John 6 we set out for Calgary, Canada. We were going to see glaciers and lots of mountains and wildlife. John who has been called "Charge" since birth was very talkative and the life of the party.

When we reached Waterton Lakes National Park in Calgary Canada we decided to hike to see Angel Glacier on Mount Edith Cavell. It was considered a steep climb but not difficult.I have often compared my spiritual growth to this particular hike.

The start of the hike was on smooth terrain. It might have been considered wheelchair accessible. This portion of the trail was a circular hike that took us to a viewing point where we could see the glacier. We were not satisfied with the distant view and launched off on a 8km hike across a moraine, into a forest and finally to an alpine meadow above the tree line.

As we climbed we could see the glacier from different angles. Sometimes we would loose sight of it all together. Charge would talk to those who were returning. He would ask how far we had to go and was the view better where they had been. Sometimes we would find ourselves walking down hill only to have another hill to climb. Those we met coming down encouraged us to keep climbing saying: "you are almost there." Or "the view gets better farther up." Charge would also offer his own commentary about the glacier from each view point. "Look, it looks like an airplane" or "It looks dirty" or "Now it looks like an angel with only one wing."

When we finally reached the alpine meadow we had a magnificent view. Charge was absolutely delighted and exclaimed to everyone who would listen: "It looks like Jesus on the Cross!"

Weather can change quickly and dramatically in the mountains. We were surprised to suddenly find ourselves in clouds with huge icy drops of rain pelting us and thunder and lightening seeming to crash all around us.

We started a mad dash for the tree line choosing to be the smaller of targets for the lightening rather than the tallest objects on a treeless hill.

We were soaked before we reached the car. I carried Charge the last part of the way pressing his little body close to mine. His teeth were chattering and it seemed to me that he might be close to hypothermia as his speech was slurred and he did not seem to make much sense.

When we reached the car we stripped Charge and put dry clothes on him and we wrapped Jeff and Charge in blankets to warm up.

My spiritual journey has been a lot like that hike. At times the journey is steep and the going is hard. At other times the journey is easy and fun.

My prospective changes from time to time and I look at life differently than I did when I was younger.

Here are a few of the lessons I have learned during my spiritual "hike".

Friends who encourage you to keep climbing through life's rough spots are invaluable.

Asking others for help is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity to learn from someone who has walked that path before you.

You can learn from those who are younger than you are as well as from those who are older.

Gathering information (studying God's word in the Bible) is a necessary tool for the trip.

You may get pelted with unfavorable circumstances and situations but don't be discouraged.

A change of dry clothes or an attitude change can make a world of difference. Praying: Lord, change me is a powerful tool to employ along life's path.

There will be a hug and a warm fuzzy blanket at the end of the day when you curl up with Jesus and say your prayers of Thanksgiving to the ONE who breathed life into your nostrils.

With praise and thanksgiving to THE ONE who lights my path and makes the climb enjoyable!