Sophie has shown an interest in climbing, and she has made a few trips out to the crag with me. Yesterday, we took off midafternoon to get a few routes in at Big Rock.

She is learning to belay, and yesterday, she rappelled for the first time. It has been a long time since I’ve taught people how to climb. Proper knot tying, gear placements, and anchor building are key to safely climbing any rock, but smaller seemingly less important things are actually important as well.

Where to place your feet in relation to the rope when leading, where to place your hands when belaying, how to wear your helmet, and a plethora of other things all make up a fun and safe climbing experience.

Years ago, I was so addicted to climbing that I’d drag anyone who was willing to hold my rope for me to the crag. They would get a two to three minute lesson on how to belay, and into the deep in they would be thrown. When I think back, many times, I in essence was soloing while carrying rope and gear. Not smart!

But isn’t that how we go through much of life…not concerning ourselves with the consequences of our choices? We act and react most of the time with thoughts of selfishness.

I never gave thought to how the untrained person on the other end of my rope would deal with my death if they dropped me. I never thought about how they would get down off the side of a 300’ cliff. All I was concerned about was what I wanted at that moment which happened to be rock climbing.

Philippians 2:3-4 ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.⁴ Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Praise the Lord for second chances. I’m now able to take the time to properly train Maddie and Sophie how to enjoy God’s creation safely.

Because He Calls, Old Climbing Dad