Kentucky has beautiful hills, hiking and rock climbing. “Foggy Kentucky Sunset,” Oil on Canvas Board, 16 x 20, by Susan E. Brooks
A family trip to Red River Gorge, a famous rock-climbing spot in Kentucky, reminded me of some important truths.
My husband guarded behind me, and my adult children hauled me upward, but still I had to find the footholds and small ledges in the rocks to pull and push from, forcing my legs to into angles they haven’t formed in years. I remembered the verse in Psalm 139:5 (NIV):
“You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.”
Wilderness Camping
I hardly slept at all the night before, freezing and putting off the inevitable trip out with no bathroom. We were wilderness camping. Two of my daughters-in-law—obviously much more intelligent than I am—declined to go with us. I was loathe to go out into the wilderness with the “beware of bears” signs. Yet when I did, those stars! They lit up the night sky, and by their light, the trees were darkened shadows stretching upward, black silhouette cut-outs with the stars glowing against an indigo backdrop.
Rock Climbing
We had planned a hike for the next day. My family acted like they were so proud of me. Apparently, they weren’t sure I could do it. My son led us up the rocky wall of the gorge called Indian Staircase—it is no proper staircase, I assure you—it’s a bunch of huge boulders perched high up on a cliff. You hold on for dear life, while plastering yourself against the sandy surface, simultaneously hoisting your body weight from tiny handholds to sandy footholds, small indentions in the rock surface, and if you’re lucky enough to have a helper “behind and before,” you just might make it. And if you’re a fifty-seven-year-old grandmother, well, it takes all that and a prayer.
We Have an Audience
The last rise conquered under my feet, I realized a group of young climbers had been waiting above, watching and cheering me on. It reminded me of Hebrews 12:1 (NIV). “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” I didn’t notice my audience until I had reached the top.
We always have an audience, don’t we? Some spectators may be jealous, hoping to see us fail in life, but this group was encouraging. We were all climbing toward the same goal and pulling for one another. We can choose to be encouraging to others along the path while watching, and while climbing, we can focus on the summit.
Red River Gorge is a famous rock climbing destination. Photo by Martin K. Brooks
Focus on the Goal
When I reached the top, my daughter asked, “Were you afraid?”
“No,” I said. “I didn’t have time to be afraid. I was just focused on the next handhold and the next step.” My husband behind me and my children in front of me bolstered my confidence. Even if I slipped, I knew I would be okay.
The scripture promises that God is with us, ahead of us leading the way and behind us when we fall. With that assurance, hemmed in behind and before, we can focus on the next step.
Got any stories or examples of lessons learned from rock climbing? I’d love to hear them in the comments!
If you’re interested in my artwork, come see my solo show at KORE Gallery, 942 E. Kentucky St., Louisville, Ky. “Journeys to Peace” runs from March 3 thru April 4. The gallery hours are Wednesday thru Saturday 11-6, Sundays 12-4.
I’m an artist who loves to write. If you’d like to get to know me better, please follow me on social media.
Learning to Love God by Loving Others
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