In the 1970s Clint Eastwood starred in an action thriller titled "The Eiger Sanction." It was a kind of spy vs. spy story set in a mountaineering motif. Clever. In one scene Clint Eastwood and a co-star have scaled a very difficult rock face. Perched atop, Clint Eastwood says, "Boy, a beer would taste pretty good right now." To which his co-star says, "A guy would have to be crazy to pack a beer up here!" "I know" Clint Eastwood says. "That's why I put them [a couple of beers] in your pack!
In backpacking, you only bring what is necessary. No extras. No luxuries. No extra baggage. Every ounce means something. Some of the most extreme climbers will drill holes in their toothbrush to cut unnecessary weight. You only bring what you need.
Good principle. In Ephesians 4:29 St. Paul says, "Say only those things that edify and build up others in their faith." There are a lot of things you can say in life, just as there are a lot of things you can carry in life. But we are learning to bring "only" what is necessary. In speech, as in high mountaineering, it is best to bring only the essentials: Those things that build up and edify.
So if you were scrapping the dead weight today, all things things that are not really necessary, what would you leave behind and at the base of the mountain? A little sarcasm? Something critical? Something combative, insulting, or contentious? Who prospers when you point out someone else's fault? Would someone benefit more by your excellence and even your help? If someone is about to step over the ledge better to haul him back and take him along side then let him slip and point out he's not very good at this sort of thing.
Here is a mountain man challenge: Take only what is necessary. Say only what edifies and builds up.
- Leave a love note for one of your children on the mirror or their pillow. Tell them how proud you are of them and something they are working at.
- Make a five minute date with your spouse and look him (her0 in the eye and remind him (her) about what you most loved when you first met, and what you love today!
- Write a thank you to your children's teachers and coaches and instructors and say "Thank you for investing in children!" They don't have to be the best for you to invest in them!
- Thank the people who provide music at your church. thank the Sunday School teachers. Thank your elders and church counsel. tell them you appreciate their involvement in God's Kingdom.
- If someone has a tattoo or tongue ring, ask about it! No one gets something new without wanting someone else to notice!
- Ask about your waiter or waitresses life. Many are going to college. Some are raising children. For some this is a second job. Many would love to share if you will listen.
Well, time to rope up and hit the trail. Thanks for climbing with me and helping me lighten my load. You help me! And it makes me happy that you have joined me for this cup of coffee today. Look in the mirror and smile: You are the light of the world, Matthew 5:14. You are a brand new creation, 2 Corinthians 5:17. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Psalm 139:14.
I love you! Anyone bring a beer? Jeff
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5 comments:
This may be a little off the subject, but I remember when a couple of my very young sons were planning a day trip. They had all their gear layed out and were preparing to pack it up--extra sweaters, dry socks, trailmix, drinks, and two large tins of canned peaches with a large can opener. My husband and I were quite tickled about the drinks and the canned peaches. Their father proceeded to give them instructions like the mountain man mentioned--take only what you need. Nothing extra. No extra weight.
This was great! It's so true in life isn't it?? We try to take everything with us and what we really need to do is always remember to bring God along and the rest will just fall into place.
This is not a new idea but well worth executing. Have you ever gone to a motel and got that little turn downed sheet with the mint? It cost them next to nothing but the returns must be immense. Not only do they get good reviews on their websites but their guests go to sleep feeling cared for, they'll probably be returnednd guests and all it took was a mint.
You thank your child's teacher and your child will get extra attention.
You thank your child's coach and that child will receive extra training.
You thank your Pastor and you'll be in his prayers.
Thank the mountain man and you'll reach the top.....
Dear "M" --
Pretty cool about the mints and the pillow...actually, I am going to do that for my "babies" tonight; maybe it will keep them coming home! Thanks for the thanks...I'll see you to the top and even carry a beer for you! Love you, Mountain Man.
Baggage can consist of many things...drinks, 2 lg. cans peaches, or the way we were raised! I was raised in a Victorian household where spanking was the usual punishment and I got my share with a 7' long leather strap. Discipline was strict, hugs rare, "Thank You" not heard except to those outside the home. My parents did love us. I carried this baggage through the rearing of two children - and I have apologized to them for it! Many of my decisions and reactions were wrong, even when the thought was right. God forgave and forgives me but I don't know that my children can. Why do we have to be licensed to marry, to drive a car, but not to rear children? Why do we teach all the "Thou shalt not's" but not the hugs, kisses, and "You did a great job"? And what's happened that teachers who know Johnny needs a pat on the back are afraid to lest they be sued? or Susie needs a hug but coach can't risk the threat of sexual abuse? What baggage we have trying to climb that hill to Golgotha!
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