My same special neighbor who put me onto the video “Free Solo” shared with me the book “The Impossible First.” It is about the solo journey without aid or being resupplied across Antarctica. That is a 931-mile journey in 25-50 degree below zero weather without the wind and whiteouts added.
As I am reading the above, I am finishing our book club’s “Seize the Day” by Sam Bellows. One of the questions both books spark is what motivates you? If you have raised children or are raising children what motivates them? In the context of the Christian faith that is an important question.
But that is not the theme “The Impossible First” left me contemplating most. It is the remark of the author/walker to the question — What is it like to spend so many days alone? You are faced with the elements. You have reflections on the inadequacy of your supplies. You have the unexpected delays from weather or illness/injury or breakdowns. And it is all on your shoulders and yours alone.
His response is worth reading the book. He said I was never alone. All of the people who have and still impact my life were inside me. They walked every step with me. I was never alone.
That in part was what inspired my second book, “A Trail Less Hiked.” It is a reflection and a thank-you to all of the encouragers in my life at every stage of growth to help enable me to walk a trail less hiked.
In the Christian faith we speak of the Christ who lives within. Hopefully the thoughts above help you better contemplate that reality. As part of our Christian walk, we share the Lord’s Supper and His Real Presence. His life is taken within us to guide and encourage and empower and comfort and renew hope.
You are never alone. Choose good company. We become like those we associate with. Thank God for them. Let the Presence of Christ dwell within you richly! Please reflect on this old, anonymous poem in closing: God be in my head, and in my understanding. God be in my eyes and in my looking. God be in my mouth and in my speaking. God be in my heart and in my thinking. God be at mine end and at my departing. And I would add God be in my feet and in the paths I choose to walk.
