"He guides the humble in what
is right and teaches them his way." (Ps 25:9 NIV)
"Make your dad's birthday memorable!"
This is what my wife told our sons as we left for Nova
Scotia. She wouldn't be joining us for another week, and during our "solo" time,
my kids would be celebrating the day I first appeared on this planet.
This is why I found myself on my birthday on a path
leading to… Uh, well actually, I wasn't exactly sure just where it
was leading!
My sons had noticed a sign in Chester, Massachusetts that said, "Trail", and
just like giant magnets, they were attracted to it. The next thing I knew we
were in the woods on a steep incline, with warning signs greeting us: "Danger:
Slippery when wet".
Although it had poured two hours before, my sons
shrugged their shoulders and went on. Maybe they didn't know the significance of
the words on the warning sign! But then I had to remind myself that they were
teenagers and as young people, they love the word "danger"!
I looked up to the mountain and wondered how we would
ever get back down in one piece as the word "slippery' was really an
understatement. I sure would have preferred to remain on safer grounds, like in
my tent trailer for example. My sons knew what they were doing though, or at
least I hoped so, and for some strange reason, my over-the-half-century-mark
bones decided to follow them.
The climb became more and more challenging. In fact,
it could have classified as an underrated obstacle course. Numerous limbs of
fallen trees, some elephant-sized, had to be climbed over, and the huge stones
that we had to cross near
precipices were covered with dripping, slippery
moss. At first I was reluctant to dirty my hands so I didn't reach out to the
mouldy old trees crawling with insects for support. But after a while I was
thankful they were available (The trees, not the mould or the insects!).
I was also thankful for my boys. While my youngest son
carried my camera as he led the way, my oldest very patiently tried to help me
out. Although I couldn't help wondering how on earth I would ever remain in one
piece, I felt privileged to have been invited on one of the special hikes my
sons truly enjoy. I still wonder how they have survived this far!
We had no idea where that path would lead us, but
eventually we reached a small clearing, high on top of the mountain, with a
gorgeous view of our campground. But perhaps the best part was that we all
eventually arrived safely back at our tent trailer!
It's then that I realized that had I relied on my own
strength, I would still be stuck somewhere in those woods, probably in more
pieces that I would like to count. But because I relied on all the available
help, because I followed the experts, I arrived safely. In all humility I was
led to the height of this mountain, an endeavour I never would have been able to
accomplish on my own. But the view was more than worth the climb. Wow!
My birthday was, indeed, special, thanks to my kids,
and I took to heart what David wrote more than 3000 years ago: "He guides the
humble in what is right and teaches them his way." (Ps 25:9 NIV)
At times life may lead us on paths we really don't
want to climb, but had we done things our own way, we would have missed
opportunities to experience intimate moments with our loving Heavenly Father.
Too often we are satisfied with the view from the ground level, but just like
any loving Father (Or dedicated sons!), our God wants us to experience a view
from above.
Another lesson I learned is one from the apostle Paul
"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,
grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Eph 4:16 NIV)
We were created to love and this is only possible if
we help one another out. Too often we tend to be self-sufficient and we miss the
occasion of experiencing the love we are yearning for. God didn't create others
so that we could be alone in solitude. He wanted us to experience love, and even
though we have experienced utter rejection more often than not, God's way is for
us to strive towards a love beyond what humans are capable of, a love displayed
by a humble carpenter 2000 years ago.
How can we stand aloof when we realize that our God
truly loves us? His love invigorates us, His love empowers us, His love
motivates us to depend solely on Him in all humility and to reach out to others
the way He did for us.
I sure had a memorable birthday, and I now welcome
mouldy old trees. The view from above is really worth our trek!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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