2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
The summer season here in Oregon brings many things. Warm, sunny weather as well as countless opportunities for outdoor recreation. The mountains and rivers fill with those seeking to enjoy the wonders of nature which our Lord has given us. Of course, for me summer brings more opportunities for hiking adventures with my dear friend Dennis. In the past few years, we have tackled many a trail in our search for the enjoyment of the Pacific Northwest. For Dennis, it is a opportunity to get outdoors in the midst of nature while getting some recreation time in. I would say that it's the same for me, if not for the demon I carry with me. See, from an early age I have had a pretty good fear of heaights. Up until I met Dennis, anything above 50 feet off the ground was definately off limits for me! Trust me, Dennis and I have had numerous conversations of just how it is NOT Gods desire to instill in me, or anyone else for that matter, a spirit of overwhelming fear. No, we are not meant to fear, but to enjoy what our heavenly Father has given us. Of course, fear may be a sound decision when faced with threatening situations or danger, but this IS NOT who we are. For I believe that our fears are a learned response to some experience from our past. Those who have been involved in a bad relationship may fear entering into a new one. Those who have had a traumatic experience in a certain location may fear returning to said location. For myself, I'm still searching for that one something that has caused me to freeze with fear in the face of altitude.
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.
1 John 4: 17-19 NKJV
So, what has changed in the past few years? Well, despite my fears, I have followed my friend on more than a few hikes in our part of the Northwest. Have some of these been high altitude death marches? Absolutely! But, hey, I survived to share my story. There are two journeys I can point to in which I stared my demon in the face and in the end came out a better person. The Angels Rest trail in the Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful hike for anyone wanting to see the beauties of this picturesque area. However, it's no easy feat. Rising to 1,600 feet, this monster is rated by more than a few hiking reviews as a "Difficult trail." However, in the end I'm proud to say that I completed this high altitude trail of tears just fine. For me, it's akin to a badge of honor for completing such a journey and driving a stake in the heart of the fear that has long subdued me. The Clakamas River trail in the Mount Hood wilderness of Oregon was yet another of our series of trail marches. Listed as anywhere between 800 to 1,000 feet above the waters of the Clackamas River at it's highest point, it is indeed a must see for anyone wishing to see the wonders of this area. That being said, I hated it! Well, I hated the fear that ran through me as we chased our way up the trail to Pup Creek falls. Did I mention that this "Trail" may have only been mere inches wide in some of it's highest points? Note to the Mount Hood Wilderness rangers and personnel, "What were you thinking?" However, at the end of the day, I had once again slayed another demon as I completed this journey with my friend.
The fact that I have been able to subdue my fears and enjoy the wonders of our Northwest area is not as much a testament to my own will, but of one mans desire to speak encouragement and love into another. As the apostle Paul claims in 1 Timothy 1, our Lord has not cursed us with a spirit of fear, but blessed us with a spirit of love and a sound mind. For it is not God who instills fear, but we who let our minds wander to those dark places where fear hides until awakened.
"We're not going to stop until we get at least one quitter!"
~Spoken to many a United States Navy SEAL during training~
~Scott~
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