11/15/25 Weekend Grif.Net - The Upward Road

[b...@grif.net]

Each August of the last three years of the 1960's, my college roommate Wayne
and I spent weeks in the high country of Colorado as college leaders of
Christian teens in wilderness camping trips. After physically challenging
days, sunset brought us around a campfire for singing, sharing, preaching,
and personal reflection. Contrasted to hectic life in the city, in the
remote darkness and quiet, our eyes following the sparks upward until they
melted with the Milky Way. Many life-changing decisions were made and young
lives impacted with the claims of Christ.



For the next three decades, Wayne (now my brother-in-law) and I led many
joint trips with the youth of our own churches we pastored. We found added
spots in Wyoming as well as Colorado to "push" young people in physical and
spiritual areas. It was my turn in these trips to lead the singing around
the campfires. We shared the same songs and biblical truths that impacted us
with new generations of teens.



One of my favorite campfire songs, etched deeply from my own memories of
camping trips, is "The Upward Road". The lyrics still paint a word-picture
of the battles of life, then the encouragement to live our faith and
continue onward and upward.

Doubt sees the obstacles, Faith sees the open way,

Doubt sees the darkest night, Faith sees the sunlit day.

Doubt dreads to take the step, Faith sings and soars on high,

Doubt questions, "Who believes?" Faith answers, "Even I."



I'm on the upward way, for that still holds the sun,

I climb through the night pastures where the starry rivers run.

And if you seek me in my old and dark abode,

'Tis written o'er the door, "I'm on the upward road".



In retirement, the unparalleled view from lofty peaks, nervously stepping
off a rock face held only by a slender rope, aching muscles coupled with
burning lungs, and embers from slowly dying campfires in hidden valleys are
all vibrant memories of these earlier chapters of life. But now the goal of
climbing that "upward road" is coming into clearer focus. Heaven's glory
shines brightly as my own strength wanes and the decades take their toll. I
do not know what each day, month, or year may bring as I continue my daily
climb, but someday I hope my legacy will be carved in stone, "He Died
Climbing."



~~

Dr Bob Griffin

<mailto:b...@grif.net> b...@grif.net <http://www.grif.net/> www.grif.net

Continue steadfastly in prayer,
being watchful in it with thanksgiving



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