The Importance of Good Route-Finding

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The Importance of Good Route-Finding

It’s been a while since I’ve written you. I’m inclined to slow down my writing schedule in the summer and this year has been no different. But I’m back, and looking forward to dialoging with you about the things we care about.

I made some strides this summer in my effort to climb all the 14,000 foot mountains in Colorado. I’ve currently climbed 39 of the 58 14ers, and I hope to get three more before Labor day.

I’m venturing into some of the more difficult climbs now, and I’m learning a lot about the very important skill of route-finding.

Route-finding is exactly what the name implies–it’s finding the right route. The problem is that as terrain moves from dirt to rock and as the climbs get steeper, finding the right path up or down the mountain becomes increasingly difficult. In some cases, getting off route can be deadly.

We’re fortunate today because we have trips reports from previous climbers, downloadable photos and trail markers (called cairns) to help us stay on course. But even with all that it’s still possibly to get dangerously off-course.

I was reminded of the importance of good route-finding while reading today in Proverbs. Consider these words from Solomon:

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:25-27

This is great counsel from the seasoned leader Solomon. It’s great wisdom for navigating narrow mountain paths, and it’s even better wisdom for navigating the paths of life:

Don’t get distracted. There are all kinds of obstacles out there, some that are downright deadly. Watch where you’re going.

Plan ahead. Don’t just wander. Know where you intend to go and how you intend to get there. Plan your route carefully. Remember, it’s really easy to get way off course, so make wise choices.

On either side of the path of righteousness is evil, so plan your steps wisely.

I’ve come very close to disaster way too many times–both on a mountain trail and on the path of life. And every close call has been the result of poor route-finding on my part.