I was climbing with Maddie last week, and I decided to get on a route that was too hard for me. It was a climb that ascends a dihedral. The hand holds were pretty small, but if you use a climbing technique called “stemming,” you can use opposing forces to inch your way up the wall. I was always relatively flexible and climbs like this suited me.

Just a reminder: I haven’t been serious about climbing in almost 20 years. Between not climbing and spending more time behind a desk than exercising, I can say that I’m not as flexible as I used to be. You would think that a sane man armed with this knowledge would make better decisions.

I tied into the rope and started up the climb. I quickly found myself contorting my body into shapes that an out-of-shape-fifty-year-old shouldn’t be put into. I climbed better than I thought I would, but it was a struggle-fest for sure. I made it about two-thirds of the way up before I began to hurt in places that I didn’t even know that I had. Wisdom prevailed…well, almost.

The picture above is of Maddie back in 2005 at the New River Gorge. We were at the point of transitioning out of climbing at this point, but we went along with friends to climb at what we call “The New.” If you have ever heard of “Bridge Day” in West Virginia, the bridge that is shut down for base jumping and bungee jumping is in the background.

My right calf was pumped almost to the point of cramping, both of my hips were on fire, and my right shoulder felt like an icepick was being pushed into the socket. One may ask: Why in the world would you put yourself through pain like that? The Websters of the world would define us as masochists: people who enjoy an activity that appears to be painful or tedious. I don’t think this is true at all.

I enjoy climbing for several reasons: exercise, exposure, time with friends/family, accomplishment, and I’ll get a little artsy on you…movement over rock. It is a great feeling when you stand below a climb and work out the movements before you ever get on the route. I don’t purposely choose climbs that are going to hurt me. In fact, I’m not a big fan of pain at all.

Four to five days later, I am almost back to normal. The right shoulder is still more than a little sore, but everything else seems to be working well.

I was back on the torture device this morning that is commonly known as a “treadmill.” Last week, I moved the grade from 8% to 10%. Honestly, my first few times at this grade made me feel like I was starting over with my training. The 40+ pounds in the pack felt like 60, and the slightly different body position caused discomfort in my neck. Maybe I am a masochist…

Romans 5:3-5 NIV84
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Paul didn’t write the Book of Romans so that I might climb harder, but I share the verses above because of the progression that is shown. Suffering produces perseverance…character…hope and hope does not disappoint. In society today, we seem to do everything in our power to avoid suffering, perseverance, and character all while placing our hope in ourselves. Most are on the slippery slope of self-worship.

My prayer for you today is that you would recognize Who Christ is, what He has done for you, and finally, what He promises you. When we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can stand up to anything that is thrown at us, and we can do so for the glory of God.

Because He Calls, Old Climbing Dad