Flattop Mountain, described to me as a hard climb... no it was so much more. Jared said it was a hard climb and that the hike up was crazy but the end was worth all of the effort. My friends, he was right, and i totally wish there was a picture, but my friend Lilly's camera doesn't like the cold. But the one thing Jared didn't describe to its full potential is the climb. it is 1280 vertical feet in a mile in a half. "Oh Paul that doesn't seem so bad" is what you may be saying and let me tell you, the trail zigs and zags and is crazy, but absolutely worth it.
I mean i made the hike a little harder as i climbed up the side of a part of the mountain covered in snow, I thought it was going to be a good idea and lets just say i was wrong. I thought i was going to quite literally die. I mean really, i climbed it like a bear using my hands to claw in the snow, if i didn't do that i would have never moved that far. I stopped time and time again because i felt my phalanges were going to fall off. (my poor little fingers) As i looked down i could see my ankles turning purple and certain parts of my body hitting neon orange. I eventually got past the now and curled up on the ground trying to regain warmth to my extremities and to not puke.
As i sat at the top of the snowy climb i noticed blood on a blade of grass near me and i looked at my nuckle and eventually realized that blood was there. So as i continued to climb the mountain and catch up with Lily and Jared who took the expected rout of people i noticed more patches of blood on my knees and hands. So as i was scraped bloodied and bruised from a stressful climb i looked slightly up and right before i reached the top i decided to fully look at the hill i climbed and i noticed a flat topped mountain to my left. I was slightly crushed. Thanks blueberry hill for being in my way. hmmmm. I realized though as i walked though some amazing things... God was refining me through this literal struggle, He was building up his temple to be physically stronger.
I long to get in better shape and God is giving me ways to start. This trip i have made some mistakes and said some stupid things. Had to humble myself here and there but over all God is growing me in leadership and He is growing me in character. He alone, the Creator of the mountains I summited, puts together my life in such an amazing and unforgettable way. I will not comprehend but i know that i want to get to know him more as i pursue him. I want to live where he has me. But as i caught up to Lily and Jared i realized that this adventure was just beginning and God really does know what he is doing. through my toil and almost death experience, haha :), and as a cloud passed around me, i was re-reminded of his beauty, of his creation, of my commitment to him to be a mighty warrior poet pursuing him with everything i have. Giving him my life and following wherever he will lead. I WANT YOU GOD! Even though at times i my feel i can't make it, i know God will help me get through.
So i caught up to my friends and Lily showed me another place that i was bleeding, Jared was amazed at this and i said that "I bleed like Jesus did" you know like in the Garden. I wasn't being funny, i mean really i was stressed out and in some agony for that little climb, haven't done that craziness in a while. Then i stood up and walked in front of her and a few seconds later she busted out laughing because she realized that this "blood" was really blueberry's. As i was rolling around after my crazy hike, i was just crushing blueberry's all over me. Good Times.
Well we reached the top after an amazing climb which i loved, and the end. Worth it. To be refined and learn from God, always worth it.
0 comments, questions, concerns:
Post a Comment