reflections from the hike- baggage

Part of my training for the hike was hiking with weights in the backpack.  I would put 30 pounds in the pack and then walk up and down a 50 foot hill.  The interensting thing about the weight was how I became used to walking with it.  I appreciated what I was walking with when I put it on and when I took it off.  But while I was carrying it, I got used to it.
We carry a lot of baggage with us every day.  This baggage weighs us down.  Peter gives us a wonderful invitation- get rid of your baggage, cast your cares on God because He cares for you.  Besides that, Jesus took care of much of the baggage that we carry around.
On the day of the hike, there were things that I needed to take- water, food, a map, compass, and first aid.  There are things that we need in our pilgramage here on Earth.  These are the things that God has given us- the Bible, Word and Sacrament ministry (church service), a family of faith (church memebers), faith, prayer ...
I also needed to be selective in what I took with me.  That which I put in my backpack I had to carry for 24 miles, up and down over 8000 feet.  If I packed too heavily, it would weigh me down.  In our pursuits of daily life, we forget to keep it simple.  That which is necessary for this life is that which prepares us and others for the next life.  We need to remember Jesus' words- do not store up your treasure on Earth but in Heaven.
Finally, remember Jesus' gracious invitation, with a slight modification.
Come to me you who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest.  Take my backpack and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my backpack is easy and my burden is light.

City on a hill- part 2

On Wednesday, September 29 at 9:45 P.M., my hiking partner Jim and I made it out of the canyon.  Granted, it was later than I desired, but we made it out of the canyon.  The last three hours that we hiked out in the dark gave me new insight into these words of Jesus - a city set on a hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:14).

As the light disappeared and darkness took over the sky, we saw where our hike began on the other side of the canyon.  The lodge where we had a wonderful dinner the night before reminded us where we had been.  After a few switchbacks and climbing out of the canyon, lights on the south rim told us that our destination was in sight.  More importantly, the lights told us that our hike was about to come to an end.  But either at the beginning or at the end, it was good to know that there was a light leading the way.

What a blessing it is to know that the Lord is my light and my salvation.  As we look back and see where we have been, we see that God has been with us and provided us light.  As we look ahead, we see that God is with us and leading us forward. 

But there is a humbling realization, Jesus said you are the light of the world.  We see that God is with us through our fellow brothers and sisters in faith.  God is with us through our Christian family and friends.  God speaks to us through  His Word, but God hugs us through our fellow Christians.  As we encourage one another, we share the light.  As we live out our Christian life, we share the light.  As we share God's message of hope with the world, we share the light.  Many people are walking in darkness.  They need us to be part of the city built on a hill that shows the light and hope that refuge is near.