Life is a series of choices that make living an adventure

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:2 New Living Translation

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Copyright Douglas P Brauner

Skinner’s Butte resides on the south side of the Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon. On the west side of Skinner Butte are columnar basalt formations.  These columns are popular with rock climbers. In my youth I tried climbing these rocks (yes, we had climbing ropes, carabiners and REI when I was a teenager). I never made it to the top. I didn’t even make it halfway.

I admire this man on his ascent up the Lyons Sandstone in Red Rocks Canyon. He made it to the top.

Unlike an indoor rock climbing wall, there are no marked routes for this man.  His climb is as much problem solving as adventure.  The same is true for us.

Life is a series of problem-solving decisions. Every day we’re confronted with choices to solve one problem and then another. I know some of you prefer the term “possibilities” not problems, but whatever you call them, we regularly make choices which affect our future.

Yet these choices also create a sense of adventure. Each one of us is on a “Huck Finn” adventure. Every hand and foothold, every choice, comes with an adventure. Some of these choices are more difficult than others, but each one is part of a unique journey.

As we climb on we remember the one and only free climber, Jesus Christ, “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” He has climbed this route all the way to death for us. And by the power of his Spirit alone, we climb. This Jesus has risen from the dead that we might experience a special surprise at the summit.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner