I had climbed Mount McLoughlin when I was 12 years old while attending a Camp Fire Girl Camp at nearby Lake of the Woods. Since Mark and I moved back to Oregon over a year ago I had told him that I wanted to attempt another summit since we live less than an hour away from the trailhead. This was a 10.7 mile out-and-back trail that climbs 4,000 feet and takes you to the top of a 9,493 volcanic mountain. This was our second attempt. We nearly turned around with 500 feet to go. The last 1,000 feet is on scree, jagged and loose rocks, loose volcanic sand and over large boulders on a comically steep incline. The pay off at the top was huge and we were thrilled when we finally reached the summit. There were beautiful vistas on the way up. At the top, the view was amazing!
So much of this adventure reminds us of our walk with Christ and desire to serve Him on the mission of reaching the world for Jesus Christ. On the trail, our foot slipped, we fell down, we got hurt, we waisted time on the wrong path, and it was exhausting. But what I focused on the last 500 feet was continuing to put one foot in front of the other, even in small steps, in the direction of my goal, the summit. If I kept on doing that I knew that eventually I would reach the top.
Jesus is calling us to be faithful and keep walking, step by step, with Him.
Mark and I are helping to lead an evangelism class for our church these next six weeks. Please pray for this opportunity. We are trusting the Lord for a great impact and changed lives.
I made a golf video for a Gospel and Evangelism class and I wondered if you might want to watch it or share it with someone you know: It is called the “Golf Gospel Video” on our website thehammitts.com
