It can be a Rocky trip to get to the cross. While recently staying in a Colorado cabin, I and a large friendly dog belonging to the camp managers decided to take a hike up the mountain trail where a cross was planted at the edge of one of the cliffs. The dogs’ name is Rocky and he was both good at finding the trail and wondering off to check out the sights and smells. I trusted the local mountain dog and to some degree my own ability to maintain a sense of direction. The result is that we ventured further and further from our destination and deeper into the mountains.
The scenery was beautiful and inspirational. The hike and climb also made for a good work out. I say climb because following Rocky lead to some rather difficult routes through strenuous terrain. The journey was beautiful, inspirational, and healthy; could a person ask for a better way to spend their limited time on earth?
But let’s not forget about my original destination, the cross.
As we wandered back and forth, first east then west with some north and south thrown in, we were what I would call searching but not lost. This is because I knew basically where I was, I just could not get to where I wanted to be, which now was back home.
One thing about a mountain is that not only is it beautiful, and good to hike or climb, but it should be
respected with great care; because you can’t whip creation; mountain, desert, jungle, or ocean. Often you survive the journey, enjoy it and learn from the experience.
As the thirty minute hike turned into one hour, then two going on three, we traveled over ridges, down ravines through Aspen stands, meadows, and almost continuous rows of Ponderosa Pines. I began to think this is a lot like life.
As I followed Rocky along a six inch wide trail with a rough ten to twenty foot express to the bottom, depending on which way you tumbled; I noticed the route seemed more suitable for the dog than a person. On the other hand he did tuck his tail, not a good sign; sometimes those we follow don’t really know what’s best for us or them!
At this point I knew it was time to stop just talking to the Lord and start giving up control to God to get me and Rocky back, preferable in one piece.
Often I began an adventure, or just the day, knowing what I want and what I think is best, yet the good and exciting things often side track me to the point that I only think I’m in control and know just exactly where I am. My focus often ceases to be the Christ as I attempt to seize the day, Carpe Diem! Of course “seizing the day” and focusing on Christ are not opposites. In reality it is experiencing each day and moment with God that truly gives us the day and plenty of adventure to boot.
It’s beautiful, healthy, and fun, yet the majesty of the mountain, the trees and ridges, kept me from finding what I had set out for, the cross. Just because something meets our understanding of good and pleasurable does not mean it is best for us, others, or in the proper prospective in regards to what we consider most important. I have found what we say is not nearly as important as what we do.
I eventually turned it over to God, deciding to head down the mountain based on some far away landmarks forsaking the beauty around me and concentrating on getting home. It was only then that I found both Cross and home. Do we listen to God or do we insist we know the way or follow someone else?
Rick
