The first day of Fall was a
spectacular day for a hike: no clouds in the sky, almost no wind, cool (but not
cold) temperatures, bright sunshine, and good trail conditions. Paul and Scott
had hiked Katahdin several times in years past and they were excited for
another opportunity on such an excellent day. As usual, the day began very
early with the alarm ringing at 3:15 a.m., followed by a quick breakfast and a
traffic-free drive to Bangor. They would then take one vehicle the rest of the
way to Baxter State Park. It was the earliest they had ever arrived at the
entrance station in Baxter. Another eight miles and they were at Roaring Brook.
They parked, changed, put their packs on, signed in at the ranger station, and
set out on the trail at 7:15. The hike into Chimney Pond was quick and relatively
easy. Their plan was to hike the Dudley Trail from there up to Pamola Peak,
then do the Knife Edge and have lunch at the summit. After lunch they would
come back over the Knife Edge and head down the Helon-Taylor Trail, the trail
they typically climbed up when they hiked Katahdin. It would be a good
challenge and a full day. They were feeling good when they started up the
Dudley. This was a steep ascent of about 1.3 miles. It didn’t take long for
them to be sweating even though they were in the cool shadows of the mountain
between them and the morning sun. About three fourths of the way up Scott said
to Paul, “Did you hear that?” It felt like a small stone had hit Scott in the
back of the leg.
“No, what was that?” came the
response.
“That pop.” Scott had pushed hard
off his right foot while taking a long, steep step. “It sounded like the twang
of a strong rubber band.”
In an instant Scott was hobbling with
pain. His right calf muscle felt like it had ripped apart. He could not push
off from the toes of his right foot. Every step brought severe pain. His first
thought? “This is not good.” His second? “Lord, we need your help.” He was
thinking about the rest of their hike.
They could not turn around and go
down the Dudley. It was dangerous to do that. So they had to slowly work their
way up the rest of the way to the 4919-foot summit of Pamola and then head down
the Helon-Taylor. There were several occasions when Paul had to pull Scott up
from above. There would be no Knife Edge and Baxter Peak today. “And who knows
how long it will take to cover the nearly four miles left to get down to the
parking lot?” Scott thought. He knew he did not want to have to be carried off
the mountain, and he felt bad for Paul. It was disappointing to say the least.
Prayerfully and carefully they made it to the top and grabbed a bite to eat.
Other hikers who had come up the Helon-Taylor were passing by and enjoying the
spectacular views. Paul brought up the possibility of Scott resting long enough
for him to zip over the Knife Edge and the summit and back. Then they could go
down. It was early and they had lots of time.
But Scott was afraid his leg might
become unusable. It was one thing to be hobbled, but he didn’t want to be
totally disabled. So he felt like he should start down as soon as possible. And
that’s what they did. Scott felt bad to disappoint Paul, but he was very
thankful to have Paul with him. The trip down was not easy. Though the downward
leg motion was easier on the calf than climbing, soon Scott had pain in his
hips. This was probably from the compensation for the awkward motion of his
right leg. About halfway down his legs also began to cramp. The outward
difficulty, combined with the inward frustration and disappointment, made Scott
feel like he had let Paul down.
But Paul and Scott are good friends:
friends who are committed to one another in Christ. Paul was patient with the
slow descent, and willing to do whatever was needed to make sure they made it
down okay. And by God’s grace they finally did, much to Scott’s relief. “Thank
you, Jesus,” he prayed when they stepped onto the parking lot, and “Thank you,
Lord,” when he made it into his driveway three hours later safe and (not so)
sound.
This story is true. No names have
been changed, because no one was innocent. It was written and shared to affirm
the principle that… “Commitment involves sacrifice.” Because of commitment to
their friendship in Christ, Paul sacrificed his preferences for the day. He
gave them up out of care and concern for Scott. All commitment – in every
relationship – requires sacrifice. There is no commitment without sacrifice.
Jesus Himself displayed this when He left heaven to become a man, live a human,
though sinless life – a truly human life, and die on the cross for our sins.
His was the greatest sacrifice ever made, and He made it for the sake of a
relationship with those whom the Father loved and saved from sin by grace.
There is no commitment without sacrifice.
Romans 5:8 (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in
this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) 1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly
loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice
to God.
1 Timothy 2:5-6
(NIV) 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and
men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom
for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for “getting us down” from
the troubles in our lives, but most of all for the commitment of love that is
given to us in Jesus. Thank you that “commitment” was more than just a word for
Him. He displayed it in His loving actions toward us, especially in the
sacrifice of His own blood – His own life for us. In this we understand more
what commitment in our lives looks like. Shape all our relationships in a way that
they will reflect Christ. In His name,
AMEN.”
Jesus
Christ is Lord!
Scott
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