Tuesday 26 May 2009

Reaching new heights

This is a new "climbing tower" with two walls to climb and a 'zip line' that goes several hundred feet - from the top of the tower. The tower is located approximately 50 yards from Papa's front yard. Mama is excited about riding the zip line one day.

On Monday probably over a hundred people rode the zip line and several more climbed the walls. Each person was in a safety harness that took part. Staff are trained to ensure that each person is participating safely.

I watched as a young boy, maybe 7 or 8, began his climb up the staircase inside the tower. He was already in the harness and had to climb the tower by himself. Several family members and many onlookers shouted encouraging words as he began his climb. Once he got to the top of the tower, everyone cheered! Then a man at the top of the tower snapped him into the zip line - gave him a few words of instruction, and then asked him to step off the edge - oh my! I could see apprehension on his face - but he trusted the man at the top of the tower and he could hear the voices of encouragement below. Soooo - he stepped off and had a ride of a lifetime! When he stopped and unhooked from the zip line, his face was beaming.

How are you doing with the tough climbs you are facing? Don't you hear the voices of encouragement? Are you trusting the Masters voice when He speaks and asks you to take a step into the unknown. If you don't obey, you may miss that ride of a lifetime He has for you.

13 comments:

CrossView said...

I want to take a ride on the zip line! And I want pictures when YOU go!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - come to Michigan - no snow this week!

CrossView said...

No snow? Promise? For how long?

Indian Lake Papa said...

Just bring your boots, gloves and earmuffs - just in case.

R.M. Jackson said...

I'm with Crossview...next up...Papa! Pictures please... and absolutely now photoshopping hanky-panky!

LOL :D

R.M. Jackson said...

Seriously though... I'm still learning to trust, but the recession makes it a whole lot easier. What else can I do but trust? It's the only viable alternative. :)

CrossView said...

Ummm, on 2nd thought, just send that zip line over here. MmmK?

Carol said...

Great post, Papa! What an exhilerating weekend with a total of 102 zippers using the line for the first time. Invite your blogging friends to come visit during Family Festival, which is when the zip line and climbing wall will be open again.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ruth - pictures will be forth coming - it may be awhile before they run it again - but I will do my best to ride the zip line.

Crossview - not exactly portable.

Carol - I think the 40' tower is a great addition to the camp.

Ed said...

If that zip line was 10 feet off the ground I might try it.

I have always had a fear of heights. I remember an uncle who encouraged me to jump off a diving board. He said it would cure me of my fear, and how much fun it would be. He lied! :)

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ed - you could do it! Mama sure wants too!

Leah said...

hey Papa,
As I was reading this I could see your final point. I thought, "No one cheered me on and encouraged me as I climbed the steps of faith that I thought God was instructing me to climb."
Then, it dawned on me. Perhaps that was my mountain, not God's. Perhaps I needed to go through the valley, not climb to the top. Perhaps it is only through the valley that I could get to the other side that is my life now.
Now, only now, do I hear the cheering crowd, the encouragement from below.
Thank you for perspective.

Indian Lake Papa said...

R&L - thanks for stopping by - trusting God is not always clear - I do the best I can, but many times mama helps me sort it all out. She is my #1 encourager, particularly when I struggle. God bless!