Today was a blast! I felt emotions & feelings that I either haven’t felt in a while or never felt at all. Out of all the elements, the most trying for me (so far) was the Dangle Do. I stood and encouraged everyone and even belayed quite a few times. I was the second to go. I had sent everyone do it and heard that it was difficult. Boy, were they right. On the fourth and fifth run you have to balance and lunge yourself to the next rung. I had the courage and determination but my left leg wouldn’t push me further.
This was an element that taught me a lesson about my limitations and fears. I made failing attempts and tried again and at last succeeded. It took the encouragement of my friends, trust in the Lord’s promise of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Also trust in my belayer. There were points at which feelings of self-doubt set in, but were all quickly over-rided by the Lord’s promises. I guess it’s just like life: we’ll come across many obstacles which we have to overcome to move onward and upward. And it’s only through total trust in Christ that will help you succeed.Other challenges were the Pamper Pole. Climbing up was exciting, yet increasingly fearful, for the pole swayed as you approached the top. On reaching the top platform you have to slowly and carefully hoist yourself on top. Never look down, for if you do you’ll lose your concentration. You want to focus on something ahead of you, get your stable balance, then complete your task of getting the trapeze. In your Christian life we are faced with fears, trials, problems, etc., and if we don’t focus our mind and heart on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, we lose our concentration and stumble and fall spiritually.
Trust totally in his caring guidance and wisdom. Also in belaying, we have to give commands to each other . . . “On belay . . . Belay on . . . climbing . . . Climb on . . . Off belay”. These simple commands are for the purpose of safety, to make sure the belayer and climber are both ready. In the same way, God gives us commands all through the scriptures. They were made to keep us out of trouble and safe. If we disobey and neglect or shun these commands, we get ourselves hurt. This disobedience in turn hurts God’s loving heart. Trust and obey God.
It is something for Nancy and me, as Paul's parents, to be challenged and inspired by the faith, confidence and close walk with God of our son. 20 years after he went to be with His beloved Savior, we are still blessed by his memory and the investment he made in the lives of others. We thank and praise the Lord for His work in and through Paul for HIS glory.
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