Body and Sole on the Mountain

Today I was given an enervating climb up Bowfell, a major local knob in the ground, sandwiched between Crinkly Crags and Scafell. I climbed with a new friend, George, the vicar at a nearby village. Pouring rain all along the valley bottom gave way to sleet, snow, hail, thickish fog and a stiff head wind the higher we climbed.

Half-way up to the summit my month-old right boot developed an annoying separation of sole from body, allowing rivers of waters to enjoy close companionship with my toes. In spite of that inconvenience it did remind me to be thankful that my own soul and body are united in the increasingly careful pursuit of God. As a result, I do more often experience rivulets of living water flowing from within me toward others’ bodies and souls.

I was reminded that God and I each have a part to do. He brings the mountains to us. We bring ourselves to the mountain. He gives capacity; we give consecration. As in Christ’s words, “In prayer there is a relation between what God does and what we do. We can’t get forgiveness from God without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part (Matt 6:14-15).” As I grasped onto rocks for balance, I felt His grasp on me. In tonight’s reading from Jesus Calling, one statement caught my attention, “The only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul is My hand.”