"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old." Psalm 77:11
When I was 24, I moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. I love outdoor adventures (got that from my dad) and wanted to experience life in the mountains. A few years after living in Colorado, my dad and youngest brother, Josh, came out to visit and go on a camping trip with me in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Friends of mine, Dick and Carole, lent us backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, warm clothing, almost the whole kit and kaboodle! They helped us get a permit for camping two nights and dropped us off at the Fern Lake trailhead.
We hiked in that first afternoon, set up camp, wandered around a bit, then went to bed with intentions to hike up Flattop Mountain the next morning. Most Coloradoans know that storms can come in the afternoon which means that the best time to get up and hiking is early so one is back under the tree line before noon.
I remember we took our time and got going after 9. When we were hiking above tree line, we could see dark clouds and a storm that was moving in. I really wanted to make it to the top so purposely "forgot" the number one rule and pushed my dad and brother (who were struggling with the altitude) to keep moving. It came to the point where I left them behind and I kept going, even crossing a snowfield (dangerous during storms). I finally recognized the stupidity of my decisions, turned around, found dad and Josh, then was pushing them to get down under tree line. When I look back, I am ashamed of my desire to make it to the top; to accomplish my goal at the risk of myself and others. I learned a lot of lessons from that experience. I can also look back and see how God was so good to me. He provided precious time with my dad and brother, most of the time was really fun, He also woke me up in a sense to recognize my own foolishness and to turn back. It was hard in the moment but when I was heading back down, I remember feeling relief and that it was a good decision.
There are so many sweet memories of God's goodness to me and my family. Our chaplains department has chosen Remembering and Psalm 77:11 as our theme for this year as BFA celebrates its 70th anniversary. We have already recounted God's goodness to our school, our students, our families, our staff, and others who have been blessed by the mission of our school.
May you also have some time to sit and remember God's goodness to you and your family. I found a few photos of this past camping trip and am sharing them below. :)
As Josh took the photos, he forgot to take any of himself so here is a random photo of Josh upstairs in my parents house.
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