Ascending into the Mist

by Buzz Wright

I did a ride this morning with fellow IC3 member Dave and two other great friends. We planned on heading to the very top of Mt. Lemmon (to the Observatory). The pace was near-threshold for me but the weather was cool and I felt pretty good heading up. As we ascended, we were surrounded by clouds and rode up through the mist, which made for a truly spectacular experience (and at times, a pretty cold one). It's amazing to climb Mt. Lemmon and look down upon the Tucson valley. I've often looked out at the elevation gain and thought, "how can this be possible?" It seems so strange that one can climb to such great heights with only a bicycle.

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I've been a Christian for a little over 12 years. I surrendered on March 18, 2001 during spring break in college. Back then I was involved in so many despicable and shameful things. I lived for myself in every possible way I could manage. I look back at that person and shake my head, but then I stop and realize something. I realize just how far I've come. It seems impossible that I could be where I am today, given the direction I was heading. But one thing I've learned well over the years is that when it comes to the Lord, nothing is impossible.

The climb has been difficult, and the weather was less than ideal in some spots. There were some times there when I was pretty cold. Times when I was hungry and worn down, but luckily I had some friends nearby to lend a hand. And a few times where I didn't think I would achieve the goal. I almost decided to drop out and settle for less than what had been planned. But I keep climbing.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brothers, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

The Lord isn't done with me yet. I've definitely got a long way to go -- but with His help I am still ascending.

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Despite the rain and the cold and the tired legs and the hunger, I made it to the Observatory with the guys. We had a quick lunch at the Cookie Cabin in Summerhaven, warming up as best we could by the fireplace before heading back down the mountain. I said a prayer on the way down, thanking the Lord for such a great day with my amazing friends, and thanking Him for having the patience to lead me away from myself, up and through the mist, on my way to Him.

Photo by Evan Robold