This week has been pretty busy. We are doing Vacation Bible School at church every evening, and the calendar during the day has been pretty full as well. I have been able to continue my training. This morning, I completed 90 minutes on the torture device at a 10% grade with 40 or so pounds in the backpack.

I felt pretty good, but I am thinking more and more of exerting myself at elevation. The difference between 1000′ above sea level and 12,000 to 14,000 are night and day. We have a few 12+ hour days planned with loads on our backs at elevation. Maybe these old knees and lungs will hold up.

The picture above is of Maddie while we were on a climbing trip to Sandrock, Alabama back in 2003. We experienced a torrential downpour one night, but we had great weather for climbing. There were lots of friends and lots of smiles. I broke away from climbing for a few minutes and allowed her to get some time on the rock. It is easy to see that she enjoyed herself.

I’m blessed to see and interact with children regularly at church and in our community, but VBS week is full of children. Many people don’t seem to have time for children, but Jesus makes a great statement in the following Text:

Matthew 19:13-14 NIV84
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. [14] Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

I hope that you will seek to be a positive role model for children. It only takes a minute or two to encourage them!

Because He Calls, Old Climbing Dad