yourweeklyhike

I took a one-word poll on facebook the other day. I had noticed that others had posted a lot of “dad” pictures and deduced that it was Father’s Day. Luckily, there was still time to post my own tribute to dear old dad before sundown and to kiss the father of my children and make a proper Father’s Day feast of Hebrew National Hot Dogs and baked beans from a can.

Any way, I asked all of my BFFs on my least favorite internet site to describe fathers in one word. The answers were pithy, thoughtful, nutshell descriptions of the “greatest generation” dads. Here you go.

Supportive       Repairer       Determined       Rock       Cornerstone       Strength       Faithful       Teacher       Putzer (in a good way)       Warm       Inspirational       Caring       Steady       Strong       Awesome       Thoughtful       Hardworking       Provider       Wonderful        

But sprinkled in were a few of the not-so-fond descriptors like…

Detached       Unengaged       Drinker       Frustrating       Unloving

The gutsy, honest, and wounded children of these men must, like all of us, come face to face with a God who has asked us to call him “Daddy.”  For many Christians, this relationship with a heavenly Dad does not come easily. And I’ve learned that God had reasons for this intimate descriptor. Jesus didn’t suggest Abba (daddy) as a way to address our Father, but the way. (“This then, is how you should pray, Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9) While God celebrates gender and created male and female in His Image, He is more anxious for us to know Him as Daddy rather than Mum. So look at the lists above. How has God demonstrated His Love to you? If you described your Heavenly dad in one word, what would it be? 

When Michelangelo’s David celebrated its 500^th birthday, the world renowned sculpture was still unquestionably considered a masterpiece of art and design. Standing over 17 feet high, this depiction of the nude Biblical shepherd boy captures in every detail the heart of a young hero and has been a symbol of liberty and defense for centuries. Having suffered 500 years of dirt, grime and dust, it was determined by some that David needed a bit of restoration. After two years of research and careful thought, a committee was formed to determine just how to care for one of the world’s greatest treasures. Of highest importance was the preservation of the integrity of the work so that the future generations would not see the work of the “restorationists” but instead see the hand of Michelangelo himself.

Marriage celebrates its 5,000^th anniversary this year, give or take a thousand years. Some say that, like David, it too needs a bit of restoration. Years of dirt and grime have obscured its natural beauty and integrity. Before launching into the job of “fixing marriage,” we should do some research. What do we know about this societal work of art? Whose hand sculpted this masterpiece? And how do we preserve and restore the beauty and purpose of this world renowned institution of marriage?

A judge in Pennsylvania simply decided to redefine the matter by allowing same sex marriage. That’s his fix to the old dusty relic. With a single pen stroke, he believes that marriage will now be less sexist, more inclusive, and more dignified. Perhaps he would also prefer plastering female body parts on David, to make the “restored” sculpture more “equal.”

Let’s step back from the debate for a moment and look at the history of the masterpiece of marriage. What was God trying to tell us about ourselves, about His character, and about our purpose? Here are just a few things that come to mind.

1.  God celebrates Gender differences.  He is best seen in two genders. “Let us create them in our image and after our likeness…in the image of God He created them, male and female He created them.”  Genesis 1:26-27. We need to see both male and female in a covenant relationship to get the whole picture of God. Natural marriage celebrates gender. Male and female are equal, but not the same. Same sex marriage segregates and diminishes gender differences.

2.  God loves Creativity. The first command in the Bible is to “Be fruitful and multiply!” After creating everything on earth, God gives us a chance to share in the creative process, “Fill the earth!” Natural marriage is creative, bringing new life. Same sex marriage limits the creative process because it can’t ever create life.

3.  God communicates with Covenants. He tells us about himself by giving visual aids, symbols, parables, and physical road marks that clearly communicate His values and character. The great promises of God are made with signs that cannot be missed: Blood of animals, circumcision, the rainbow after the flood, sex and virginity. Marriage is a covenant between two people that together reveal the image of God and the fullness of the trinity–one flesh. The blood shed by a virgin bride is the seal of that promise just as Christ’s blood was the seal of his promise. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. God is trying to tell you something every time you go to a wedding. I love you, my Bride, my Church. I am your husband, you are my love.

“…For this reason, a man leaves his father and mother and cleaves to his wife…” For this reason indeed. Marriage is a symbol of God’s eternal love and covenant that is fully communicated when male and female are joined as one. Let’s make sure that future generations see the hand of the Master when they look at marriage. To redefine it is to mar a masterpiece and mock it’s designer.

It’s in all the local papers. Mr. and Mrs. Bald Eagle from Hays in Pittsburgh have just laid a third egg in their big-ass nest. This is the second year in a row that the eagle couple has chosen to raise a family within the city limits of Pittsburgh. Last year, one egg hatched and fledged. The last time this happened was over 150 years ago according to the “eggsperts”.

Like most of the traffic on Route 19, their Hays area nest is now under 24 hour surveillance by remote cameras. If anything suspicious happens, it will be on film. I am enthralled with the return of the eagles and love to see them flying overhead but watching the live feed is much like watching Olympic Curling. You know it’s supposed to be interesting but you are not sure why. Click the picture for the link to the big event where egg number 1 is seen for the very first time. Find the frame for “first egg laid, 2-19-2014.” The first 2 minutes are cool. After that, it’s like the 6th End for the Great Britain Curling Team…just not really going anywhere. (http://www.pixcontroller.com/eagles/)

Tom and I will be heading over to congratulate the lucky new parents this weekend. Sadly, they have declined our invitation to join us for dinner afterward at the Hofbrauhaus. (If you visit along the trail, you’ll notice a sign insisting that you keep your voice to a whisper so as not to disturb the love birds whilst nesting. Apparently human voices might drown out the sounds of trains, traffic, construction vehicles, and barge horns that eagles love so much.)

No, really I’m serious. I love it.  Here are a few great reasons to march out into the snow before it’s all gone:

• There are no bugs or poison ivy.  This is huge.
• It’s gorgeous.  The leaves are down.  Snow shows every contour of the ground that you don’t see at other times of the year.  Views are spectacular and the occasional pine groves feel cozy and homey.
• Everything smells wonderful.  Hints, of deer, pine needles and distant woodstoves make you stop in your tracks to suck it all in.
• It’s bright.  Even on a cloudy day, the woods look bright and welcoming.  This is a real pick me up for the winter blues.
• It’s quiet.  Other than the crunching beneath your boots, snow absorbs sound.  We didn’t see another human being on the trail today…sublime peace!
• Tracks.  Today we saw zillions of tracks from bunnies, deer, birds, cross country skis, mountain bikes, dogs, and previous hikers.  And it’s so great to leave your own mark alongside the snowy traffic of the forest!

Today’s hike was at Deer Lakes Park. Find great trails here: deer lakes trail map