The Pastor’s Blog – THE SOLID ROCK
This week I hiked up Mt. Benson!
Do not be too impressed for it is not a mountain like Everest or Kilimanjaro! However, it is a good climb of several hours to reach its 1000-meter summit. The Regional District suggests a person give themselves five to seven hours to do the hike to the top and down again. I decided that was too slow, so my challenge on this hike was to see how fast I could make it to the top and down again.
Going up I was happy to keep my feet moving. My legs were burning before I was half way up, and I was gasping for air. I guess I was not in as good of shape as I thought! Then, after snapping a couple of photos at the top, I started the descent. Now here is where things get crazy, because I was a little reckless coming down the mountain. I like to take large strides, despite the rough, steep and root-covered trail. I would almost lunge at the trees, grab one and fling myself to the next one. Where there were no trees to grab onto I would choose a rock and let the hill carry me too it. I would almost leap from rock to rock.
As I was thundering down the mountain, the thought struck me: I am relying a great deal on the stability of these rocks. If they gave way, I would be tumbling down the mountain. I choose my rocks carefully in the milliseconds between steps, but if the rocks were not secure, I would be lost.
My mind was taken to my spiritual journey, each step bringing me closer to my destination, my heavenly home. Sometimes the way is hard, and I struggle, gasping for breath and almost falling in exhaustion. Sometimes I leap like a deer on the hillside, filled with joy and excitement at what God is doing. Each time I take a step my foot must land on a solid foundation, on a rock that will not give way. Jesus is that rock. Psalm 18:2 says, “The Lord is my Rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I trust.” Jesus assures good footing for the journey through life!
– Pastor Gary