Devotions

Don't Be Fooled!

“DON’T BE FOOLED TRUCKERS—YOU’RE NOT DOWN YET! DANGEROUS GRADE AHEAD.” I smiled at the huge electronic sign spanning across the freeway as Ron and I descended the long hazardous grade into Denver. Apparently big-rig truckers tended to relax necessary caution when they mistakenly felt they had safely arrived at the bottom of the grade.

We continued through the outskirts of Denver to Colorado Springs where we planned to attend a marriage getaway. We settled into our beautifully decorated room at Glen Eyire castle and prepared for the gourmet dinner. Following our meal, the first scheduled session covered a typical marriage conference topic—personality differences. As regular attendees of couples’ retreats, Ron and I considered the lessons a bit repetitious. Still we enjoyed our time together and meeting the other couples. We found all the lessons and discussions interesting, if not fresh and eye opening.

On our third day there, we decided to hike a somewhat technical stream trail up to local waterfalls and granite “punch bowls.” As we headed up the canyon we began to feel the first raindrops so typical to Colorado Springs summer afternoons. We crisscrossed back and forth over the cool rushing stream while enjoying the beautiful landscape of rocks and trees. Eventually we broke through into a clearing where a lovely waterfall scene met our gaze.

Not being ones to quit or turn back, we decided to continue our trek up the canyon in spite of the increasing sprinkles. Here the trail went from “strenuous” to “technical.” We climbed a steep canyon wall carefully choosing each foothold on a rock or tree root. As we climbed, I worried more about coming down than going up. A young girl climbing near us proclaimed confidently, “It’s only slippery when it gets wet.” The rain fell a little harder.

I’d say it was about here that our romantic hike turned into an adrenalin-producing, muscle-challenging, and faith-stretching adventure. We held onto each other, providing support and balance as we navigated the no-longer-obvious trial over slippery rocks. The worn tread on my shoes became less and less effective at providing a sure foothold. I relied more and more on Ron for support. Eventually we reached the punch bowls—in a full-fledged thundershower.

I prayed out loud as we slowly made our way down the trail through the drenching rain. Lightning repeatedly flashed overhead while thunder echoed off the walls of the canyon. I steadied my nerves by reassuring myself that lightening would not likely strike us deep in the canyon. But then the possibility a flash flood played around in the back of my mind.

In answer to my prayers, the rain let up considerably by the time we reached the steepest wall of the canyon. Feeling overwhelmed and intimidated by the height and steep angle, I help my breath and prayed some more. It didn’t take me long to realize that looking down was not a good idea. We needed to take just one considered step at a time. So that’s just what we did. When we had navigated most of the way down, I dared to look up and feel encouraged. And that’s when the warning came back to me: “DON’T BE FOOLED TRUCKERS—YOU’RE NOT DOWN YET! DANGEROUS GRADE AHEAD.”

This was not the time to relax and let down our guard. As we continued to cautiously choose each step, I considered another application. Each meeting of our marriage conference had covered familiar concepts. How many times had we heard and even taught about communication, personalities, and prayer in marriage? We have a healthy 33-year-old marriage; but the warning resounded, “Don’t be fooled…you’re not down yet.” Ron and I must not relax our efforts to grow in our marriage. We must remain committed to ever increasing love and respect for each other, for we have not yet reached the finish line. We’re not down yet!

Cyndie Hamley