Foolish Thinking

Yosemite National Park may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on Earth. Pictures will never reveal the real beauty and a personal adventure there is mandatory to experience the best things in life.

I have watched (from a distance) people climbing Half-Dome, the incredible rock face that often identifies the Park. Foolishly, many people attempt to climb the monolith without the necessary skills, equipment, and in weather unsuitable for such a feat. Many lose their life, and others are injured to remain forever damaged by the attempt.

Some, who get into trouble on the mountain, have a simple back-up plan – call 911 and wait for a rescue. But rescue may not be available at times because the rescue teams don’t make foolish decisions about their abilities or the hazards of weather.

“People make poor decisions for a lot of reasons,” said Kevin Killian, deputy chief ranger. “What it comes down to is a lack of clarity in peoples’ risk assessment. What is the true hazard and what are my bailout options?” (Associated Press)

Naturally I see it as a analogy of life. We are involved in a hazardous journey through the years. It will end in spiritual death if we are not redeemed by the Savior – our Lord Jesus Christ. And following that rescue, we need the right equipment and skills to be successful. We must make wise and informed decisions, and recognize there is a single solution to every hazard – obedience.

I know the analogy has flaws, but how awful it must be to have reached the final pitches near the summit of Half-Dome,  and freeze to death because the rescue team is unable to reach you. So, in life, how tragic to spend all of our years climbing the ladder of life only to discover we are without hope and lost forever. Having made poor decisions and failing to understand the risk, we will spend eternity separated from the God who lloves us beyond measure. That is genuine tragedy.