First Church of God

Peak Day starts at 3:30am.  In minutes we break camp and leave Hart Lake, making our way through the darkness.   Beams of light from our head lamps reach out in front of our feet revealing rocks and other hazzards on the treacherous trail.  Rob sets a pace three times faster than anything we have done so far, and it leaves us sucking air as we climb higher and higher.  I would never do this on my own; but strength and courage comes from the fact that my friends are before and behind me.  When it seems we can go no further Rob challenges us with a statement that is true not just for this climb, but also for life.  If we are going to make it we must "reject passivity".

For over an hour we keep up this crazy pace.  Then finally we arrive at the foot of the cone.  Each of us chooses a football size rock to carry up the last 100 yards.  This rock represents a burden; something I've carried for too long.  Something I know I need to rid my life of.  In silence each of us holds a rock, considering it's meaning, preparing mentally for a final assault on this 12,340 foot peak. 

It's a steep climb over car size boulders pushed and piled high by a glacier.  So far we have followed our guide with no thought of our direction, but now we each must pick and choose our own way up this dangerous mountain maze.  Brian chooses to follow my lead, and we take off, carrying our rocks along with us.  Half way up our roles change; Brian now takes the lead and dad follows.  The significance of this change does not get past me.

Reaching the peak of this mountain is lifes greatest accomplishment; at least it feels like that at this moment.  The sun rises as we reach the top.  It's a new day.  And each of us feels as though we could do anything.  Anything!  This burden will no longer weigh me down.  I let it fly over the edge, and it disappears.

The view from here is like nothing I've ever seen.  I can turn in a circle and see for miles in every direction.  Distant snow capped peaks everywhere.  All of us make it to the top, and we make toasts with a bottle of sparkling cider provided by Rob our guide.  What a celebration!