We have just returned from the first “normal” camping trip we have been able to take in four years. “Normal” means we camped in the mountains for five days and we hiked. Those quotation marks mean we carried a pile of medications and a doctor’s letter explaining my problems, along with three cards detailing all the hardware in my eyes. They also mean I was careful not to overdo it.
Because of all this, Keith bought me a pair of trekking poles from an outfitter. At first I thought he had spent an exorbitant amount of money for two sticks. Then I used them. With two repaired Achilles tendons and reduced vision, my usual klutziness on mountain trails has increased exponentially. My ankles easily turn and twist on rocks and roots, and I trip over anything that sticks up even half an inch off the ground simply because I cannot see it.
But these poles made all the difference in the world. The cork handles conform to your fingers with a knob that keeps them from sliding, and a flat top on which your thumb rests and from which you can help yourself with a little boost. Two straps wrap around your wrists—if you somehow lose hold of a pole, you do not even need to bend over to pick it up. With just a twist you can shorten or lengthen them, not just to suit your particular height, but whether you are going uphill or downhill as well.
I did not stumble once. I did not twist either ankle. Keith did not need to drag me up a single hill or catch me as I rolled down one. And we made what was labeled a four hour hike in just three and a half.
I am not too proud to say I used trekking poles. Should you make a habit of hiking even once or twice a year, you should get some too, especially if, like me, Grace is not your middle name. It’s no shame to need a little help once in awhile. In fact, I am told avid mountaineers who could hike rings around me backwards and blindfolded use these things.
So why are we so ashamed to ask for help spiritually? Why is it such a big deal to admit we might be wrong about something or have a fault? Why is advice from those who are more experienced seldom sought and even less often taken? Why are we always letting our pride get in the way of our soul’s salvation? Even the strong need a hand once in a while.
Find yourself a pair of friendly poles to make the trek with you. You will be glad you did, and much more likely to make the end of the trail.
Then came Amalek and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek; tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him and fought Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass when Moses held up his hands that Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hands, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary; and they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat thereon, and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side and the other on the other side, and Moses’ hands were steady unto the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people…Exodus 17:8-13.
Dene Ward
Because of all this, Keith bought me a pair of trekking poles from an outfitter. At first I thought he had spent an exorbitant amount of money for two sticks. Then I used them. With two repaired Achilles tendons and reduced vision, my usual klutziness on mountain trails has increased exponentially. My ankles easily turn and twist on rocks and roots, and I trip over anything that sticks up even half an inch off the ground simply because I cannot see it.
But these poles made all the difference in the world. The cork handles conform to your fingers with a knob that keeps them from sliding, and a flat top on which your thumb rests and from which you can help yourself with a little boost. Two straps wrap around your wrists—if you somehow lose hold of a pole, you do not even need to bend over to pick it up. With just a twist you can shorten or lengthen them, not just to suit your particular height, but whether you are going uphill or downhill as well.
I did not stumble once. I did not twist either ankle. Keith did not need to drag me up a single hill or catch me as I rolled down one. And we made what was labeled a four hour hike in just three and a half.
I am not too proud to say I used trekking poles. Should you make a habit of hiking even once or twice a year, you should get some too, especially if, like me, Grace is not your middle name. It’s no shame to need a little help once in awhile. In fact, I am told avid mountaineers who could hike rings around me backwards and blindfolded use these things.
So why are we so ashamed to ask for help spiritually? Why is it such a big deal to admit we might be wrong about something or have a fault? Why is advice from those who are more experienced seldom sought and even less often taken? Why are we always letting our pride get in the way of our soul’s salvation? Even the strong need a hand once in a while.
Find yourself a pair of friendly poles to make the trek with you. You will be glad you did, and much more likely to make the end of the trail.
Then came Amalek and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek; tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him and fought Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass when Moses held up his hands that Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hands, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary; and they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat thereon, and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side and the other on the other side, and Moses’ hands were steady unto the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people…Exodus 17:8-13.
Dene Ward
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