8/22/89 Frustration, Pain, & Disappointment, Part 1

I just came from my couple time and I have to say that I enjoy that time the most. I’ve learned so much about myself and about what God wants for me. Anna and I have really grown closer and have been able to share experiences that are very hard to talk about. We share similar experiences and can understand each other’s feelings. It feels so good to know someone understands your feelings.

Frustration! Man, was I frustrated! I just came from the Bowston Chairs. Ugg!! It was early in the morning. It was my first attempt of the day and boy, did my body and muscles ache after last night’s surprise swim in Houghton’s refreshing pool. Their HOT WATER SHOWERS! Clean and fresh smelling toilets, cold water fountains and this morning’s very early jog that was a bit lengthier than yesterday’s.

But anyway, I got on the balance beam and I was mentally calm and relaxed, but my legs shook by themselves. I don’t know why. After making it across I got on the first swing fairly easily. Then, caught the second by swinging. The most frustrating part about going from swing to swing was the fact that my self-belay line would always tangle around the swing I was on, so even when I had grabbed the next swing, I had to sometimes let it go to just untangle myself. 

To add to the frustration, my hands burned from those ultra-coarse ropes. I received my first real initiation, rope burns and hand blisters. But I trust the Lord in His Word which says that, “He who has started a good work in you will finish it unto it’s completion.” (slightly paraphrased). But I started the day asking the Lord to carry me through the day safely and with good spirits.

So, as I started the Bowston Chairs I knew I had to finish them. The frustration made it very difficult to see myself finish and with good spirits and attitude. But when I did finish, it felt so good. Thanks, God, for believing in me and having patience with me when I lose trust in you at times. Help me to become stronger in trust.

Now, ONWARD to the element with more experience and trust in the Lord!

Severe PAIN has just been experienced! I was unaware that when on the tail (swinging) en of the Walinda Walk element, one should aways wear sweat pants (check!) and a sweatshirt. Now, judging from the size and pain of the rope burn on my arm, you can guess which piece of required clothing I was without. But I’ll tell you. . . IT SURE WUZ FUN TRYIN’!

Note: TO HIGHLANDER ROPES CREW: In the future, a padded wrap around that coarse rope of the cargo net would be most appreciated by all. Thank you.

Disappointment. . . Today we left early for the rock climbing and I never got a chance to get on the zip line. I was really looking forward to riding it. But, as things had it, I only got to watch. There were a couple other elements that I missed. But I can understand that there is a time element, too. You can’t spend all day on the ropes. Oh well, that’s the breaks.

I now have an even stronger desire to become a Highlander leader. Not just to finish the ropes course completely, but to spend time teaching others the valuable lesson I’ve already learned. I’ve always been a patient person. It is an area the Lord has really developed in me, so I take this experience and trust in the Lord’s perfect timing.