b

Just a Bag

Cont’d 7

          I am grateful that the path has been a wide one today, as I have enjoyed moving amongst you while we journey.  It has given me time, not only to know you better, but also, to ascertain your insights on the verses the old abbot whispered to me the other night.  I must say, you are a very perceptive group of companions, sharing much of your wisdom and encouragement.  Your insights solidified my interpretation of where my path is leading.  It gave me a great amount of courage… especially for what lies ahead. 

b

b

          This morning I received a message from my Commander… we must travel with great speed to that mountain you see in the distance.  We have been tasked with retrieving something of great importance, within a cave that lies near the peak.  Whatever we are to gather, apparently, is time sensitive and very fragile.  Being late is not an option in this case, and the road ahead will be fraught with dangers, so gather your courage and a change of shoes from within your bags… we will be at a steady jog from here on.

          I am sure you may be asking yourselves why all the warning of danger, and why the rush…  if our Commander is so powerful that we are escorted by an unseen army, why can’t they go up and get whatever it is?  We travel a path that has dangers we see, and evil we do not see… but it is there, none the less. 

b

b

There is an evil covering this land, its source is a vile and yet cunning Wickedness, always seeking to devour the weak.  This is what the unseen force has been following and protecting us against.  We are being watched over by the Commanders own guard! 

b

b

          Here is the thing you need to understand about our task… it needs our participation, and our courage! With the unseen evil held at bay by our forces, we must still use wisdom, caution, and possibly a bit of brute strength to get in and get it done!  Besides, I try to avoid asking why very often, as I trust we have something to learn.  By stepping out in obedience… and faith, I have a feeling that it is more about the journey again.

b

b

          Understanding why we must be careful, I will share some of what lies ahead, in order that we might be more prepared for the dangers.  The trees up ahead seem like what one would find in the lower mountain meadows, but once we enter the forest it will be suffocating and dark…

b

b

These trees, you see, are infected with some form of blight.  A dark mist emanates from the branches, causing the air to be so thickly covered, it blocks out all light.  The ground is soaked with wet dead leaves, making it impossible for anything to dry here, so we will be unable to make a fire.  All that lives within these woods will be infected and dangerous, so no feeding or petting the wildlife.

          Your bags will be invaluable here, as we will need to use them for all of our nutritional needs, as well as clean dry clothing.  I say this because I want you to keep an eye on your feet, making sure to keep them dry at all times.  We will stop as often as needed to switch out for dry apparel, as the air will be wet and cold, the higher we climb. 

b

b

To address the light issue, I have given Micah and Crocket both a lantern.  Micah will be our rear guard, if you will, making sure no one leaves the safety of light… Crocket will be at our midway, and I also will be carrying a lantern to guide our ascent.  Yes, you did hear me correctly when I said Safety of the Light… do not leave the light!  For I cannot say what lurks in the darkness, just beyond that which the lights cover.  Let us not stop to find out what is out there, but press on in our task. I for one dislike the dark, and I hate creepy crawly thing… so let us be quick about this!

b

b

          James would you be so kind as to watch out for me, so to speak?  As I will be carrying only the lantern, I may need your assistance if we encounter anything unfriendly on the path ahead.  Ummm… 

b

b

One last thing…. Ummmmm….  I feel it only prudent to warn you of exactly which mountain we are planning to climb.  This is in fact Murgaks Peak!  I know it is one of the Dragon Mountains, but not one of the bigger ones, if that makes you feel any better.  Ya, nope… it didn’t make me feel any better either.  Well, misery loves company… ah hemm, I mean, I sure am glad for all of your assistance. 

b

b

          If anyone feels any fear or anxiety as we travel, the Commander did leave a verse to calm you, so I will be calling it out as we move up the mountain, to lend encouragement along the way… Christine, you should be able to hear me back there, so could you repeat it for the back of the group that may be out of earshot of my voice?

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”  Psalms 91:4

Well, I guess there is nothing left to do but tie my shoe laces, and adjust my lantern.  If everyone is ready… ok… let’s do this…