Suddenly, as the rope coiled around my body, the spikes strapped onto my feet, and the bug eyed polarized glasses went onto my face....I felt like a mountaineer. Amazing. I was learning how to survive on the ice, climb the ice, move on the ice and in the process love the ice. Despite the numb toes, then the thawing toes bringing on what's descriptively called the "screaming barfies", and the exhaustive climbing we were accomplishing goals and it felt great!
The glacier has a mind of its own...it moves, changes shape and forms beautiful patterns in response to the shifting weather. It's a playground and yet it also has no mercy, a fall off the "monkey bars" will usually mean more than a scraped knee. Every move needs to be thought out, intentional, firm...every step secure.
At certain moments I would look back down the valley and marvel at God's majesty! He formed these huge masses of rock with His hands, and made it possible for me to enjoy them...created in me the capacity to love them and love Him through them. What a gift!
I was happy and content perched precariously on the edges of cliffs...
...knowing I was safe in God's hands and feeling free.
2 comments:
I'm so jealous! i think i may learn how to ice climb this winter...but that probably only means going out a couple times...
but i'm not looking forward to the screaming barfies...do you have any suggestions as to avoid them now that you're a pro?
it looks like you're getting everything you can out of this life and loving it. i miss you! when will you be back? or have we lost you forever?
Hi Friend - I'm rereading your posts, and just thought I would let you know that I love this one. Your descriptions help me live vicariously through you! May you always love it, and have the opportunity and capacity to enjoy it all. What a gift is it, the love for what He has made!
Post a Comment