Crossroads at the Summit

It was a slightly more than one month ago that I set out for a mountain climbing adventure with my son and 27 other men from my church. Our objective was Uncompahgre, the 6th highest mountain in Colorado. Nestled in the middle of the San Juan range, this 14er did not present significant climbing challenges. It was more a matter of endurance in the midst of the ever changing weather patterns.

Fortunately for us, the sun was bright and the sky blue as we ascended the peak from the Nellie Creek trailhead. I made the summit in good time for my first attempt at a 14er. I was winded and tired but thrilled by the experience. My son Nate hardly broke a sweat, the by-product of endless conditioning through soccer and football, and he showed great patience with me along the way.

Here we are at the summit:

Here is another shot of the panaromic view:

After Nate decided to run down the mountain with another "goat", I made my way back to the trailhead with a steady pace and plenty of time for refection. Here is what I observed through the creation that surrounded me that day:

• Originality is more beautiful than imitation. I saw hues of yellow and purple flowers that will never appear on a color swatch or computer screen. The blue in the sky was not to be copied, only savored.
• Purpose is found in context. The vast valley of meadows has greater impact set against the backdrop of a soaring mountain range. In isolation both are splendid and create nice photographs. In combination they reflect a glory reserved for that moment to create memories in the heart.
• Creation is beyond my understanding but the glimpse at 14,300 feet is simply awesome.

If you get a chance to climb a mountain, don't hesitate. You might just find yourself at a crossroads where you find some answers.