A thin layer of dust mixed with sweat covered my face, but in my mouth was the sweet the taste of victory. I imagine this is how it feels to cross the finish line of the Ironman triathalon. Maybe I should get the tattoo, but probably not. Had I thought about it I likely would not have gone. There were plenty of reasons it was a bad idea. But then again, you never know about tomorrow.
You never know about tomorrow.
A few reasons hiking was a bad idea
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) causes weakness in my muscles. Of course I do have a warning, my right eyelid droops. Then I have to stop, not slow down, not take it easy, STOP.
- We hiked in a “wilderness area” with no cell phone service.
- Since it was a spur of the moment trip, no one knew where we were. Initially we had other plans, but they fell through and well, we somehow ended up here.
- Ominous black clouds heavy with rain moved toward us.
- My hiking companion was my mother. Although she is in excellent shape, she had a heart stent placed two years ago. I think it is safe for her to skip the stress test this year.
VOICE OF REASON
My daughter chastised me, suggesting I should try to walk one mile in town before attempting a three mile hike. Yes, that would have been an excellent idea but then I would miss the breathtaking view.
After a quarter of a mile sliding downhill over rocks and roots and even a felled tree, my legs trembled like a newborn colt taking its first steps. As we rested on a rock that wasn’t quiet flat enough to be comfortable, it occurred to me there was a possibility I would be unable to walk back out. I mean, it happened in the grocery store on aisle two. My back-up plan was, wait, I didn’t have a back-up plan.
BETTER TO DIE LIVING THAN LIVE DYING
I never took for granted the magnificent, expansive view available from atop Whitaker Point. What I took for granted was my ability to walk. The possibility I would never be physically able to hike again filled me with regret. I live fifty-one miles from this natural wonder and yet I had only been once. You know, I was working and had family responsibilities. And I was working and had meetings. And I was working and… So although I love to hike, I waited for another day. Then I got MG.
James 4:13, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” NIV
DON’T WAIT
Often we wait until tomorrow to enjoy life. Truly we never know what tomorrow brings. We wait to hike; we wait to reconcile; we wait to serve; we wait to share the hope of the gospel with the lost. Sometimes we wait too long. Thankfully, I got a second chance. Do you need a second chance?
Don't fill your life, live your life to the fullest #AbundantLife Click To TweetSWEET VICTORY
Earlier this week I crossed the imaginary finish line with my hands raised to the sky in victory. Although my legs felt like Jell-O, I successfully hiked 1.5 miles to Hawksbill Crag and it was sweet. Maybe I will get a tattoo, only if I can talk my mom into getting one to match.
James 4:14, “You don’t even know what tomorrow will bring- what your life will be! For you are like smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.” HCSB
LIFE IS SHORT
This truth was underscored after I attended three funerals in eight days. So I urge you to take a few risks and have some fun while you can. Worship God and enjoy the wonders of this beautiful planet He created. Drive fifty-one miles if necessary. Cherish your loved ones. Forgive generously for tomorrow you may not have another chance. Do good and help your neighbor. Share the hope Jesus Christ offers. Do it before it’s too late.
James 4:17, “In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that for you, is evil.” MSG
Thanks for sharing my little victories. My feats are small but my God is big.
Love your blog, your courage and your Faith.
Thank you so much
I’m really glad I didn’t put off my wilderness adventures until “later “. There are a number of things I did put off and regret it now! I’m glad that I still have the ability to play guitar and sing. I missed out on some musical adventures because I put them off until later. I’m limited in what I can do which means less hours working on any musical adventure. Don’t put those things off because later you might not be able to do them. I wasn’t all that smart to plan ahead, I was just trying to take advantage of adventures in front of me. I do have memories of some awesome outdoor adventures. I love the wilderness and miss that the most. We have two grandsons and my interactions with them have been limited. Now I’m teaching the 9 year old grandson to play guitar. We go there about twice a month so he gets face to face lessons. The other weeks we use Skype. I still have to take a nap after lunch to be able to socialize with the family. I’m very thankful that I kept up my guitar playing for about 50 years so that I have it now when my physical limitations prevent most of my former activities.
Skype makes the world a smaller place. What a great way to connect with your grandsons! I love that
This was so inspiring! Thank you for keeping on!
Thanks, I am thrilled to be doing better
Thanks! Your encouragements are a blessing.
Congrats on making the hike to Hawksbill Crag. What an accomplishment and a great experience to share with your mother. that is one of the most magnificent views. I have only been once and my legs turned to jello being at that height – – – I don’t do heights well – – – but loved the experience all at the same time.
I love how you seek to enjoy all that God gave us despite physical challenges!
Enjoy your blog so much. It is always uplifting.
Praise God! This was so encouraging. Yes, I will live for today. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. Congrats on your victory!
Thank you. Looking forward to more tomorrows
Rejoicing with you in these victories today! Honored to be your neighbor on #livefreeThursday!