Hi, all! 

Just a thought.

If you had to choose between those mountain top experiences in life and the valley times, which would you say is best?

I took this photo as we traveled up the side of one of those Great Smoky Mountains a few years ago. It is a nice picture, but you don’t see the rest of the story. As I held onto my camera, making sure the strap was securely wrapped around my wrist, my other hand had a death grip on the seat beside me. There were no safety bars in front of us to keep us on that little yellow bench. There were no seat belts fastened around our waists. There was nothing. Just us and fear — or trust.

My wife and kids had to do some strong persuading in order to get me on one of those things and ride up the mountain side. We stood in our places, waited for the swinging seat to catch us from the rear, scoop us up, and swing us higher and higher until we finally reached the top, where it was up to us to quickly jump out of the seat and to a safe spot on flat ground.

Down below us, as we crept up the mountain, we could see the many shoes, jackets, and other items that had been forever lost by previous travelers. But once we were at the top, we were treated to some beautiful views. We were able to purchase some of those delectable deep-fried peanuts, and just wander around enjoying ourselves for a while.

Of course, everything that goes up must come down. In the same manner, we eventually hopped on another seat and made our way down to town. For me, it was the nerve-wracking moments of the ride itself that were the worst. I don’t mind being on top of a house, but I do not at all like the climb up or down the ladder. I think it’s the journey that scares me the most.

Well, we begin the journey of a new day, new week, etc. Do we do it with the same fear, or is there a trust to the journey? Do we trust our Lord enough to get us through whatever we face in the week ahead? Or are we cringing, worrying, and holding on with a death grip to whatever we can reach?  

Had I relaxed a little, I could have enjoyed that skylift ride. My goal this week is to trust the Lord to take me where He wills, knowing wherever that is, and no matter the remains of previous disasters that I may see below, I will be alright, because I have trusted in Him.

Just a thought. 

’Til later.

Brad Campbell can be reached at mastah.pastah@yahoo.com.