I hope that you aren’t like me. I often fail to thank people for the things that they do. Chris has been in Kentucky this week with our UN1SON Mission Team. With her being out of town, my day-to-day responsibilities have increased. It amazes me when I pause to realize all that takes place on a daily basis that I overlook.
I have talked briefly with Chris about this, but I wanted to say “Thank you!” to her for all that she does. She is a great wife who supports me well. She is a great mom who is always there for the girls. She has been a great second mom to many throughout the years as well. She is a godly lady who loves the Lord and loves His people. I am thankful for the 32+ years that the Lord has given me with her. I also thank her for her willingness to take on additional roles around the house for the month of July. Without her doing so, The Last Hurrah trip wouldn’t be possible.
After I picked Sophie up from work Monday, we went to the gym. She is learning body control and climbing technique quickly. The picture above is of her on one of the walls at the gym. We swapped climbs until my shoulder felt like someone was pushing an icepick into it. She climbed a few more routes that she hasn’t been able to get up in the past. We had a great time.
I jumped the gun on the treadmill grade this morning. I moved it up to 15% instead of waiting until the end of at the end of the week, but I swapped down to my alpine backpack with only 18 to 20 pounds. The lower weight helped with the larger hill for sure. I watched a couple of boring POV climbing videos to get me through the hour or so of slogging up the hill that gets me nowhere.
I’ve said this before, I’m thankful for the treadmill, but there are mind games that have to be played. Without videos, I’m not sure that I could have logged as many miles as I have during my training. Looking at the same wall in our garage or the circles left by my sweat drops going around and around on the treadmill belt until they dry would be monotonous.
We are down to 11 days before the trip, and I thought I’d close by sharing about a new piece of gear that I bought for the trip: a new headlamp. The picture above is of Sophie and I heading back down from a climb that took us past sunset to complete. This was the first time that I was able to use the new headlamp in the woods after dark. I was amazed at how bright it was. Out to around 40 or so feet, it looked light daylight. My old headlamps are like an oil lamp in comparison. This thing will be very handy for the alpine starts in July.
John 8:12 NIV84
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
I know I have already talked about darkness and light this week. It is easy for us to appreciate the advantages of having light in a dark place. We all recognize it immediately when we flip a light switch at our house. But in a spiritual sense, even Christians seem to overlook what Jesus offers.
As Paul says to the church in Philippi, we should grasp the peace of God that transcends all understanding. My friend, I pray that you are not walking in darkness.
Because He Calls, Old Climbing Dad
oldclimbingdad.com 
One response to “T-11 Days”
You have the best wife. She is my daughter, not an in law…and Nanny loves Maddie and Sophie. I know you and Maddie will have a wonderful trip. I know you spending time with her will really help her. You have been a wonderful Dad to both of them, and Chris has been a wonderful Mom to both, and daughter to me. I can’t wait to read about the trip. And you are the best Christian Son around. Gos has been good to all of us.
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