The following comes from my 2017 Lenten series.

“O Israel, hope in the Lord!

For with the Lord there is steadfast love,

and with him is great power to redeem.”

Psalm 130: 7

The first half of the hike among the ancient ruins at the top of the mountain was flat. The second half of the hike was not. Let’s talk elevation. When we were walking along the path to the 44-foot diameter excavated Great Kiva, we were at 7,400 feet above sea level. Fun fact: St. James Lutheran in Burnsville is 819 feet above sea level. It was no wonder that we were feeling the effects of altitude!

To see the twin spires from the Great House Pueblo, the goal of our trek, we needed to ascend two hundred feet more up a challenging unimproved trail. The trail was not open to traffic without a tour guide. It was a tricky climb, but as we took it slowly, it wasn’t so bad.

When you hike up a rocky and uneven path, the conditions of the trail impose upon you a decorum of caution. I suppose there is always the possibility of recklessness. Fools can be found in every environment (been there myself a time or two). Rocky paths, though, have a sobering effect. On the path to the Great House Pueblo, there were no guard rails or fences; it was just a narrow path with a steep drop. Caution. Slow. Careful.

Thinking back on the walk to the top, I reflect upon how different that travel was from my usual walk. Too often in my daily walk, I walk careless steps. I’m usually on the busy side, so I scurry from place to place without paying much attention. A month ago, I found myself unexpectedly on my hindquarters; didn’t see the ice before it pulled my feet from under me. Not paying attention can hurt our physical and spiritual bodies. We need to recognize that the way that we walk is important.

As I made my way upwards along the same path the ancient peoples traveled (the trail wasn’t wide enough for many other possibilities), I was using a walking stick. I have found that when I’m hiking, it helps to have something to hold onto, something with which to support your weight and give greater stability. When I use a walking stick, I find that I’m more intentional about walking.

As disciples of Jesus, we are invited to walk with intentionality down the path that leads to a cross. The cross calls into question our careless romping through life. The cross highlights the dangerous terrain that lies ahead and invites a caution and intentionality. Carefully watching our steps, we are invited to lean on hope. Hope in the promises of God. Trust in the relationship that we have with God and upon God’s track record. The Psalmist above recalls that with God there is “great power to redeem.” Redeem. Save. Renew. Reconnect to life.