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An Email from my Friend,

Dr. David Alan Black,

October 2016

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It’s weird how life works. If you had asked me a year ago what my big plans for the fall break of 2016 were, they wouldn’t have included a climbing trip to Colorado. They wouldn’t have included writing a book about my journey since Becky [his wife] went to heaven. They wouldn’t have included starting a Greek class in Hawaii. It seems like I’ve packed in more fun, crazy, and incredible adventures in the past 365 days than in the previous 10 years put together. I have no doubt that the next 365 days are going to be filled with even more laughter and tears and challenges and opportunities. For starters, in just one month I’ll be remembering Becky’s Home Going exactly 3 years ago. How in the world have I made it this far?

Climbing a 14er [14,000 foot mountain] has become a parable for me. You walk and walk and walk. You stumble. You mope. You decide to quit. You sit on a rock, feeling totally defeated, and you almost break out into tears. Then, all of a sudden, you’re at the summit. In complete disbelief you ask yourself, “How did THAT happen?”

In all honesty, the race of life in the past three years seems like a blur to me. I usually don’t remember the hard parts, just as you forget the pain of the climb once you reach the top. But I WANT to remember. I want to remember the struggles, the frustrations, the times I felt like giving up — and then pushing past the pain, deciding I can finish the race by taking just one step at a time if that’s what it takes until you KNOW you’re going to make it no matter what.

Most importantly of all, I want to remember WHY I’m going to make it. His name is Jesus, and He’s a Master Climber, and you know what? Just as He found the courage and strength to finish His race, you too will find joy and strength in the journey, and while the pain and discouragement never disappear completely, you always find a way through them.

Today I’m taking the day off from climbing. I think I just need to recharge my batteries. And spend time with the One who designed the race and completed it and now stands with open arms ready to welcome me and you and all of us across the finish line.