Legs and Lungs
By: Scott Tolhurst
By: Scott Tolhurst
I was looking for a hobby. I needed something to quench the gaps of head and heart that family and work leave vacant. I didn’t want to lick stamps nor stare at birds with my binoculars. Then it struck me. I live in a global corner that is prized for its natural beauty. Why not explore the forest, mountains and ocean shores by foot? I decided to become a hiker. That’s what I want. That’s what I choose. I have a friend who shares my hopes. We’ve decided to set out on a 7 day walk through the mountains this summer. So with plans and schedule set, I am ready! Not quite.
It is quickly evident that desire and decision are not enough for the quest. I actually have to do it. The first need is training and discipline. Legs and lungs have to be readied for the journey. So I am treading up every hill I find. There is the concern for equipment. Backpack, tent, boots, stove, food and more, become my carried cargo. A route has to be selected. Meandering will not get me where I want to go. All of this is eased by companionship. It’s best to plan, prepare and plod with someone. A journey shared multiplies the enjoyment.
These thoughts knocked on my door, as I ascended a steep incline in the rain. They were escorted into my consciousness by the Spirit of God. He reminded me that what I was describing was not just a hobby, but a pilgrimage. For both endeavours, desire and decision are not enough. Our spiritual journey requires more than wanting and willing. Progress demands the effort of discipline. Don’t be surprised at the challenge of a growing soul. This too requires legs and lungs. The efforts of our strength enabled by the grace of God’s Spirit. These do not come all at once, but increase in the doing. Our desires and decisions remain good intentions apart from the submersion of our human effort into the Breath of God. Also, we are to carry upon ourselves the equipment mandatory for our trip. Paul speaks of feet shod by the good news of peace and our torso shielded with purity, supported by truth. A sword of God’s Word is our walking stick and prayer will grant direction for each step. In whatever terrain that threatens us or storm that tries to halt us, we will be shielded by faith. And of course, we are not to walk alone. We are to join with companions who share our passion and have made the same commitment. We will lean upon one another in fatigue, cheer those who grow faint and even sing to make the path seem shorter.
Where are we going in this pilgrimage? Each route is unique to the traveler. They have varied courses, timelines and conditions. But note - the destination is the same. Heaven is not our goal - a blessed grace, but not our destination. We are moving towards God. We will be with God. We will rest in God. Desire and decision. Legs and lungs. All will be satisfied forever.