Clingmans Dome Re-Post

This week as I have had one technical issue after another (who am I kidding it has been all semester) I find myself waiting for the next fire.

The waiting makes me think of my quiet spots around where I work. One spot has been closed due to flood damage and I am sure it is very low on the states things to fix. Another, has been developed and is not as quiet as it once was. Sure there are many more around me, but those were my favorite.

Then it got me thinking about a trip we made to Tennessee a couple of years ago. It was right up there with our trips to the Gulf. I have heard about discounts if you go to the Gulf, but I think seeing it first hand would just make me mad(er).

So as I sit here, watch for errors, and wait, it has me thinking ....


http://www.associatedcontent.com/image/491763/index.html?cat=16

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm

This is where I found the info. I have not joined,so I do not know the author.

http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?t=131601


This is part of my non techie side. We walked up Clingmans Dome and I was thinking about it last week. I do not know if I could even do it this year. Either way this was good.

Clingmans Dome

Rising from the center of the earth where the rocks flow like rivers to the highest point in Tennessee Clingmans Dome towers over the earth. Silently and majestically the Top of World waits for the Mountain Climber to begin the strenuous journey to the summit, to enjoy the spectacular views it affords and to breathe the fresh mountain air.

As the would be Mountain Climber begins the assent the Dome's Creator joins in. Inch by inch step by step the Mountain Climber slowly makes his way up the side of the mountain. The path is not easy, it is steep, the air is thin, and the sun is hot. "You're not going to make it," his tired and aching body screams. Yet the ascent goes on. The Mountain Climber stops to rest and the view leaves him spellbound. "I must go on, the best is yet to come," he says to himself.

Inch by inch, step by step the journey continues. Soon the heat of the blazing sun and the thin air render the traveler weaker and weaker. "You've got a long way to go," someone says. "The going gets rougher and rougher," another says. Words of discouragement weight heavily and doubt begins to wear away the Mountain Climbers determination to go on. His pace slows down ever slower.

Suddenly in the thin mountain air the voice of the Dome's Creator whispers to the weary climber, "The summit is gained one step at a time, do not measure your progress by how far you must go, but by how far you have gone. When you become tired stop and rest so you can become strengthened by beauty of all that exists and become refreshed by the fresh mountain air. Do not give up I walk with you and await your arrival."

"Are you sure you want to continue," the climbers partner inquires oblivious to voice of Creator?
"I must go on," he says gasping for air, "The pain of quitting is worse than the pain of going on." And with words of encouragement from his partner the journey continues. Around one more corner and up one more incline the summit comes into view. The Mountain Climber stops, looks at his companion and smiles, "We've made it! Just look at the beautiful scenery! It was worth every step!"

But the journey is not over, there is the 45 foot tower. Minute's later standing atop the world the conqueror looks toward his companion on the ground below, "Thank you for the encouragement and journeying with me my love! Thank you for never leaving me alone!" Then addressing the Creator he silently prays, "Thank you for giving me the encouragement to succeed! Thank you for never leaving me alone!"

Today you will face Clingmans Dome. It will probably not be a mountain in Tennessee. But it will be a mountain on your path through life. It may be the failing health of a loved one or your own failing health. It may be a financial mountain. It may be a broken relationship or a shattered dream. Perhaps you will face an addiction of some form.

Whatever the type of mountain it may be it will tower over your life and will cast a long shadow. The ascent will not be easy but it will be one that must be made. There will be those who will discourage you. There will be times when you will seem alone. The steep climb and the hot sun will rob you of your strength. You will want to quit, but you can't because the beauty of life awaits you on the summit. Look around there those who walk with you, they comfort you, and they strengthen you. Look around and see the beauty that is hidden from the low lying areas of life. Listen the gentle whisper of the Creator as he beckons you ever upward to top where life will become so beautiful, so wonderful it will defy description.

Do not fear the climb, fear only not beginning. Never think you can not succeed for success is gained one step at a time, no matter how small the step may be.