Winter in our neck of the woods has been relatively mild thus far. In fact, I think Destin, Florida, has received more snow this year than we have!
Nevertheless, the day we took our annual winter break to Lake Geneva wasn’t so mild. For this time of year, the temperatures weren’t so bad—highs in the mid-20s. It was the wind! Sustained winds of 20+ mph and gusts up to 40 mph really brought the “feels like” temps way down!
But we made a commitment. It’s a sort of tradition by now.
For the past few years, after the holidays have calmed down and our church holds its Annual Congregational Meeting, we take advantage of the low off-season rates in Lake Geneva for a couple nights away. And since we enjoy the outdoors and hiking, we head to the Lake Shore Path and hike a few miles—how many depends on the weather! Long-time readers of The Pastor’s Page have come across previous posts about these adventures.
So here we were again, determined to get in our hike, even if we could only handle the cold for a few miles.
We set out from town, picking up the trail on the southeast side of the lake. Initially, it seemed that side would offer the greatest protection from the wind.
I was wrong!
About ¼ mile into the hike, we hit a stretch where the wind was whipping icy snow off the frozen lake, stinging our faces and freezing our watery eyes. Decided to turn around and head the other way. I know, I know…the other way and not back to the room…the fireplace…warmth??
Well, we were fairly committed to a hike on the shore path, so off we went to the north side. Turns out that was much better. The wind was howling from the west, and the northside trail actually tracks southwest for a few miles, thus sheltering us from the worst of the wind.
Along the way, the scenery was both beautiful and unique.
Also came across some puzzling sites: large swaths of water encircled by solid ice—how come the water wasn’t frozen? Hmmm.
Where on earth are these steps leading?
Are these freeze-dried flowers?
We hiked almost 3 miles until the trail turned due west, right into the wind—time to turn around!
Now, some folks might think us a bit too committed to venture out under such conditions. I understand. When being pelted by the stinging snow blowing off the lake, I myself began to question my sanity.
But on the way back, I saw a guy we’d seen earlier as he was trudging out on the frozen lake, towing behind him a sled laden with ice-fishing equipment. At one point, he slipped on the ice and did a face-plant. But he slowly got up, repositioned himself and the load behind him, and carried on. He was committed to catching some fish that day!
Now, about an hour later, there he was stationed out on the ice, about 150 yards from shore. Fully exposed to the 25 mph winds. Certainly blasted by the snow driven along the ice. But he had bored his hole, dropped his line, and sat on a small stool with his back to the wind, waiting for the fish to bite.
“Now THAT’S commitment!” I said—first to myself and then to my bride!
For the next little while, I mused on the idea of commitment, thinking about what I’m committed to—and not committed to! Pondering areas where I should be deeply committed…causes to which I ought to be more so.
And, given my vocation as a pastor, I reflected on the congregation I serve.
With joy, I thought of people who have grown in their commitment to Christ and His church through the years. Since we’ve been in the same church for over 22 years, I’ve watched some grow from childhood! Others have made significant strides in a relatively short time. That’s delightful.
Then, too, I wondered, “How many have the commitment of an ice fisherman on a cold, blustery day in January?”
Over 4 decades of pastoral ministry, I’ve seen the gamut of commitment! Many indeed remind me of the fisherman.
Others, not so much.
There are those who just can’t seem to bring themselves to commit to membership in the church. Oh, they attend with varying degrees of consistency. But membership?
Others commit to membership but not to any form of ongoing service in or through the church.
And still others—members or not—shy away from making any financial commitments.
I’ll not go on, but suffice it to say, the determination and commitment of an ice fisherman on a bitter-cold January day should challenge us.
To what am I that committed?
How easily do I allow lesser things to distract me from the most important?
Am I really “ice-fisherman” committed to Christ and His church?
