Encouragement from a Friend!

Thinking about climbing, and all that comes with it, I realize tonight as i sit awake thinking about how the choices will affect those around me and how at times i do not feel the true presence of Christ in my life. This has been a week of struggle with preperation both physically and mentally. I felt distant from my quite times and dedication to the word. I felt as if i had more worries and decision making going on than in prior situations. I felt like i was in this one alone and that i was loosing part of my relationship both with Christ and people around me to prepare for this climb. I was reminded tonight by a story and a memory of camp, that even though God may not be touching us at that moment or present in that point in time, does not mean he is not still there, covering us and protecting us from the things around us. The t-shirt is there whether we notice it or not, sometimes it takes that breeze to press it against our skin and remind us of its presence and duties in our life. "In our walk, sometimes we do not always feel God's presence, but He is ALWAYS there. He's there for us... even when we do not turn to him. He's there- just like my shirt was there... although I would only feel it touch my arm when I'd move really fast." (Good friend).

This is a reminder for all people that whether it is God, a friend, or someone you love, just because we do not always feel their support and presence does not mean that they have left us, it means they are allowing us to be our own people and work through things with our own minds.

Looking at this climb it represents those who await my arrival home, the men i climb along side, and the Lord who walks with me.