We have just returned from a week walking in the mountains of the Mont Blanc region of France. We had been invited by Jo and Jackie Taylor, who are in-laws of our son Ben; they are also very good friends. As we were making preparations to go they asked us whether we had got our “Trekking Poles”, to which the answer was “No.” “You’ll need some good trekking poles if you are going to hike in the mountains of France,” they told us.
Now, that placed me into somewhat of a dilemma. A couple of years ago, while visiting my cousin in Switzerland, I had observed a group of walkers, with their trekking poles, all looking very serious, and according to me, somewhat comical. I thought, “What’s wrong with my legs, I don’t need those things!” But after my conversation with Jo, who told me they were essential equipment for our trip, I duly complied, and was delighted to find two sets of poles at a bargain price in T. K. Maxx.
On our first day, we left the chalet in Morzine and drove up for our first walk, fully equipped with walking boots and poles. After some instruction, we got them the right length and ready for our first climb. We had not walked very far before I was an instant convert. The poles were brilliant, they spread the load so that your legs do not have to do all the work. They help keep you moving forward with speed and purpose; and when you are descending they are great for keeping you steady and preventing slips and slides. However, last Sunday as we walked on the Mendip Hills with our poles, we had some very strange looks from our fellow walkers.
This has made me realise how independent and opinionated we can be. We see something that we do not comprehend and have made up our minds before we have really understood what it’s all about.
This is so true about the Christian faith – I have heard people say, “Being a Christian is just a prop for weak people.” That was my attitude to the trekking poles I saw in Switzerland. It was not until I had experience them that I realised they are so important.
So my spiritual “trekking poles” - give me someone to lean on who keeps me steady and takes the load - keep me going forward with pace and purpose - stop me from falling when negotiating difficult terrain.
It is amazing what lessons we can learn from a couple of sticks!
Now, that placed me into somewhat of a dilemma. A couple of years ago, while visiting my cousin in Switzerland, I had observed a group of walkers, with their trekking poles, all looking very serious, and according to me, somewhat comical. I thought, “What’s wrong with my legs, I don’t need those things!” But after my conversation with Jo, who told me they were essential equipment for our trip, I duly complied, and was delighted to find two sets of poles at a bargain price in T. K. Maxx.
On our first day, we left the chalet in Morzine and drove up for our first walk, fully equipped with walking boots and poles. After some instruction, we got them the right length and ready for our first climb. We had not walked very far before I was an instant convert. The poles were brilliant, they spread the load so that your legs do not have to do all the work. They help keep you moving forward with speed and purpose; and when you are descending they are great for keeping you steady and preventing slips and slides. However, last Sunday as we walked on the Mendip Hills with our poles, we had some very strange looks from our fellow walkers.
This has made me realise how independent and opinionated we can be. We see something that we do not comprehend and have made up our minds before we have really understood what it’s all about.
This is so true about the Christian faith – I have heard people say, “Being a Christian is just a prop for weak people.” That was my attitude to the trekking poles I saw in Switzerland. It was not until I had experience them that I realised they are so important.
So my spiritual “trekking poles” - give me someone to lean on who keeps me steady and takes the load - keep me going forward with pace and purpose - stop me from falling when negotiating difficult terrain.
It is amazing what lessons we can learn from a couple of sticks!
