Soaring or struggling — be a good mountaineer with faith

Mount Everest, earth’s highest mountain above sea level, is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas and reaches an elevation of 29,032 feet. Many have lost their lives while attempting to conquer the beast.

It is recorded that in May 1953, New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, were confirmed the first climbers to have reached the summit of Mount Everest.

Hillary said, “I think the really good mountaineer is the man with the technical ability of the professional and with the enthusiasm and freshness of approach of the amateur.”

Several years ago, my husband and I packed a few of our belongings and necessary items for hiking and headed out to the granite state for an adventure. We did some research about a mountainous beast we wanted to conquer.

Mount Washington is located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States and the most topographically prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River.

The perils of Mount Washington are no secret. According to recent data, the 6,288-foot mountain has claimed 176 known lives since 1849, mostly due to extreme cold and wind and the ever-changing erratic weather conditions.

We checked into our abode for the week and then headed to the information desk at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center to talk with the experts.

“Plan accordingly.”

“You may encounter fast-moving winter storms even in summer.”

“Be prepared for weather and trail conditions to change suddenly and rapidly.”

“Choose a trail for climbing to the summit based on your experience.”

“Pack a map, water, food, hat, gloves, extra clothing, extra socks, flashlight, first-aid kit.”

“Hiking poles will be most helpful.”

“Leave early.”

“Have fun.”

We went back to the hotel, double-checked our supplies, packed our backpacks and went to bed. The next morning, we ate a hearty breakfast and headed out. We were ready and excited for the challenge ahead of us.

We had already considered trailhead options for beginning our quest and based on our abilities we chose to trek via Tuckerman Ravine Trail. It was not the easiest of trails, but we decided the eight-mile round trip hike was doable.

Ready? Ready.

We were only about one mile into our ascent when the people ahead of us came to an abrupt halt. There was a sign that read, “Tuckerman Ravine Trail is closed from this point on due to an avalanche.”

“What do we do now?” I asked. “Turn around?”

“Heck, no,” replied my husband. “We didn’t drive all this way to turn around.”

We listened to what others were saying. Some bailed, others shrugged their shoulders and said, “We will have to access the top via Lion Head.”

We decided to follow the crowd. Oh, the peer pressure.

“Lion Head, it is.”

Previous experience scrambling and strength enough to pull myself up rock faces at the mid-way point of the steep hike would have been beneficial for this gal.

I am not too proud to admit that the lack of upper body power kept me from pulling myself up over some of those boulders. There was some serious pure scrambling and hopping around rock-to-rock.

Thank goodness for the aid from my husband and the help, encouragement, patience from others watching the show. It was intimidating and frightful on more than one heave-ho.

The all-out-feat set before me was intensified by plummeting temperatures and blustery winds.

I exhausted much energy and wasted precious time yapping about hiking back down those incredibly enormous rocks. I was also concerned it would get dark during the descent.

I struggled. I soared.

Finally, the top! Whew!

I cannot put into words the spectacular and amazing view that surrounded me.

I was grateful in more ways than one that June summer day. There was a shuttle available to transport hikers who chose not to make the descent back down the mountain on foot. God never ceases to amaze me with his provision.

I heard a pastor refer to the book of Psalms as the “Mount Everest of scripture.” The words written some 3,000 years ago in the days of ancient Israel are a “tower of strength.”

I compare my life to a mountainous climb. Sometimes the summit may be as high as Mount Washington or in some cases may seem as high as Mount Everest. The key is to be prepared for whatever may come my way.

Studying the Psalms is teaching me to seek God more diligently, love God more deeply, and trust him more fully. Approaching the Psalms with enthusiasm and freshness will help my focus to remain God-centered in experiences of life, whether soaring or struggling.

I want to be a good mountaineer.

Hike on!