Glimpses of Paradise

Today was a spectacular day. Really, it was a spectacle. On March 20, 2010, it was truly a late spring day rather than a late winter day in western Virginia. The temperature was into the 70s and the sky showed a true deep blue much of the day. Even yesterday, I knew, based on the forecast, I needed to spend most of the Saturday outside, preferably doing something fun. This morning, I decided to try the hike we attempted two weeks ago.

On Sunday, March 7, another gorgeous day, the four of us tried to hike the 0.8 miles to the Hanging Rock Observatory in Monroe County, West Virginia. Snow drifts two to five feet ultimately thwarted our intention to make it to the perched hut used as a raptor observatory and, supposedly, a fire tower. We had to turn back, because it was too difficult for short legs. Our daughters were troopers that day, though. I expected much of the snow to be gone today, following two weeks of warmer weather and some rain.

I took our youngest daughter, and we began the reasonable journey with snacks, drinks, and eagerness. We just enjoyed the whole experience. Elyn had a few moments of grumbling, wondering how much further to the hut. I coaxed her with the promise of snacks and a juice box. It was well worth it. Waiting two weeks was worth it. The view we saw, the fifteen minutes of having the hut to ourselves, the warmth and gentle breeze...wow!

It was, in my estimation, one of those glimpses of eternity, a little taste of paradise. In the midst of some wilderness, it was serene and majestic. I realize part of my love of hiking is the experience of moments like this. My daughter, not quite five years old, seemed to be content and a bit awestruck. (Maybe it was the uniqueness of the hut, the novelty of its features that got her attention.) We could see for 100 miles easily. I snapped various pictures, but I could not gather the fullness of the moment.

This contemplation reminds me of the dialogue on the cross between Christ and the repentant criminal. I was reminded of it this week at a chapel meeting at the school. The humble sinner, believing in the Messiah, asked for mercy. It was granted, and Jesus' words to him offer me hope on a regular basis in this life. Jesus immediately offered him a promise that he would be in paradise with Jesus that day. Wow! Words cannot express the power and love expressed in this moment. It was a moment of amazing intimacy, mercy, and hope.

On that mountain, away from much of what man has made, my heart was kindled. I was not in Paradise, of course, but I experienced a glimpse of it. If I had time, I would have stayed there all day, soaking in the views and the sun. That place and time offered some serenity. Meanwhile true serenity and security is to be with God. May God help me abide in Him daily and hourly.

Through the Rapid

Last summer, I began to explore kayaking. I took several trips on rivers here in western Virginia on a kayak. One day, I was out on a float with about a dozen other people, including my brother-in-law. Jason is experienced in a kayak. He has enough skills to help people who are not very good in a kayak...and people who roll over in kayaks. He was helping me, giving me tips, watching. He mentioned one particular place he had concerns about. The fact that Jason claimed to be nervous about it made me a bit anxious.

In fact, I had already rolled once--when I first tried to get in the kayak that day. This was humbling, since I had already enjoyed a smooth trip previously. The rest of the group with a number of novices decided to walk around this rapid. I knew I could choose to try it. Jason and a few of the more experienced paddlers went through. I had faced moments like this before.

I knew if I did not go through the rapid, I would face the same moment--the same obstacle--again later. It would not be any easier then. I knew I could do it, if I did what I needed to do. I had some good counsel on this one. Did I mention I had some angst about this situation? When one is on the water, in a kayak, challenging rapids do appear challenging. I decided to go through, and I aimed for the ideal entry point.

I went into the rapid, accelerating and descending into its turbulent force. I paddled hard on the right. Otherwise, I faced a collision with an untamed bank. The kayak turned reluctantly back to the left. I felt the bump of a rock. The kayak slipped past. I was through. I was relieved and glad.

While I received the affirmation of some skilled kayakers, I knew I had not suddenly become a good paddler. I did, though, take a step toward being capable in this sport. I crossed a little threshold. I saw the challenge, felt the fear, and went through it. That is an essence of life, of progress, and of achievement. God helps us at those moments, but it takes a personal willingness to take a risk.

Stirred by the Great Commission

Recently, I have been unsettled. There is a stirring within. As I've just passed the 35-year mark on the earth, I am close to the halfway point, Lord willing. And I am fully submerged in life in this world.

Now I am sure I could be busier. My children are not into first grade yet, and I do not have a full slate of volunteer commitments. I know there is potentially much more to come...soccer games, recitals, coaching, and God only knows what else. More and more, I see the appropriateness of all these things. And that is part of the problem.

Our world has its own processes and routines, and these are often NOT in sync with God's desires. Jesus led a relatively simple life back in the day. I know there was not internet and there were no smartphones, but I am sure Jesus could have led a very busy "normal" life if He had so chosen. Just before he left the planet, He gave the disciples a job to do. It still applies to those of us known as Christians.

That task is to tell the story about Jesus Christ to all people. Of course, there are many ways to do this, but the ultimate end is that people are exposed to certain facts and urged to respond to those facts. (Of course, God does the "miracle" part of this, and there is a "miracle" part.) I am not very involved in this undertaking. In fact, in my estimation, I am not much of a factor in this enterprise. Perhaps God knows I am doing more than I know so that people may know Him. Yet I have this nagging conviction that I could be more deliberate about leading others into truth. It is a saving knowledge of Jesus, a repentance for wrong things done, a believing and trusting in God to be all we really need.

Recently, I have been stirred. I need to be more consistent in praying for my neighbors and family. I want to have God put me in situations where I can gladly and effectively sow seeds of His truth. I want to be an integral part of Jesus' final request...where I am...in my little sphere. God help me.

Lovers of Snow Rejoice

Since I have not gotten into the routine of blogging regularly, I thought I should at least respond to my blog from last year (nearly a year ago) about the scarcity of snow. If you live in the vicinity of the East coast, you know this winter has included a lot of snow. I am glad. Of course, I am in that small group of professionals called teachers. Therefore, I have benefited from more than a couple "snow days." I've not had to deal with getting to an office every day with snowstorm after snowstorm hindering that progress.

This has been a special winter in my eyes. We have had about forty inches of snow so far. I expect to see more accumulate on the ground. It is so symbolic of the season. A lingering coat of snow indicates the presence of a real legitimate winter. This has not been so for several years. My disappointment has been replaced with gladness. While I do not get outside most days to ski, snowshoe, or sled, I like having that option. May this be the beginning of many more winters with significant snowfall.

Disappointment in the Southern Applachians

I live a little west of Blacksburg, Virginia, not very far from the West Virginia border. For me, it is beautiful country. If you do not like outdoor activities, like hiking, fishing, biking, and kayaking or canoeing, you probably would not choose to live here. (Notice I did not mention skiing.) Still, it is strikingly scenic. It reminds me of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Of course, for mountains, the Appalachians are small. The peaks around here are, at the highest, around 4000 feet. While Virginia does possess the mile-high peak at Mount Rogers, it does not contain the several 5000-feet plus peaks like New Hampshire and even North Carolina.

My disappointment is with the razor-thin layers of snow we receive here. I am a snow lover. I am glad to have distinct seasons, but I hate cold rain in the winter. I want snow and I do not mind cold weather. Having lived most of my life in this area, I know the snow doesn't pile up around here and finally finish melting in May or June. Colorado this is not. I just want a couple feet of snow...for the whole winter! Six or eight inches of snow at once would be nice, and if it could stay on the ground for at least three days, that would be great.

I realize it is almost comical to use this phrase, but "when I was growing up" it seemed to snow a lot. It has taken me a long time to realize that Southwest Virginia is a victim of latitude. As one local TV weatherman put it, we live in Virginia, implying we really should not expect a lot of snow. In the spirit of this particular forum, that is the truth. As often as I might look up to the beautiful mountains around here, it is just not the place for significant snow. For a snow lover, it is a disappointment, and I am finally beginning to accept this reality. Since February is nearly over, it is best if I begin to hope for spring and a chance to do something outdoors...since I cannot snowshoe or ice skate or ski. By the way, we got an inch of snow today; most of it melted.

The Lucid Truth

Lucid has five definitions in the fourth edition of Webster's New World College Dictionary. The words bright, shining, transparent, clearheaded, and rational are used to define lucid. It is also defined as "designating an interval of sanity in a mental disorder" and "clear to the mind; readily understood." Aside from the meaning related to a mental disorder, one might say that most of us desire lucid truth. Isn't it uncertainty and confusion and the suspicion we are being duped that creates a most unsettling feeling? Therefore, the lucid truth is something to be treasured.

Admittedly, the truth is not always so "shining." The truth is not always "readily understood." The most important truths are bright and shining, though. To me, the most valuable truths, echoed throughout history and repeatedly proven, are words and works of Jesus Christ. Before you leave thinking this is just a sermon of religious bias or a blind proselytizing effort, let me explain.

Why do we still talk about Jesus? He has a significant following who believe he is God. Why? We believe he offered the truth. And not just one truth about how to make it to paradise. He offered many truths about life and love. He befriended the poor and despised. There is something there worth considering. He did not pursue riches and power, interestingly. He taught. What did he teach?

I believe life is full of moments and situations meant for enjoyment and growth. I will use this space to remind you and myself of wisdom and lessons reiterated for centuries in stories. Often, simple and clear truth is forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life. I want to remember what God has spoken to me through the day-to-day occurrences. I want truth to be lucid and relevant and effective in my life. I will share with you what God has reminded me on a hike, while working, or spending time with family and friends.

Truth can be very general and very specific. Sometimes I will be general and sometimes I will be specific. I look forward to your thoughts and, perhaps, learning about what truth you are being reminded.