DESCENDANTS OF HONOR
The yellow rope marked the boundary of disturbance in the pristine Sonoran desert setting. The bureaucracy required the bright yellow limits of disturbance line and fence be in place to ensure at least half of the property being built on would keep the virgin desert intact.
The stake I was relocating in order to preserve the dessert was right at the edge of an old mining road that ran smack through the middle of the cactus and boulder laden property. I ponder the folks that once travailed the desert wilderness, no doubt on horseback and wagon to start.
Even by the time a gas powered vehicle was digging ruts with its skinny tires in the decomposed desert granite trail, air conditioning in the Arizona desert was a long way off. Those had to be exceptionally tough individuals or just regular folks with nothing to lose.
It’s peculiar what people will do or what they’re capable of under the right circumstances. The earthmover that would soon tear into the tough Arizona desert, making it look like it wasn’t so tough after all, was hours away from beginning its assault on the Sonoran paradise when I realized a stake and rope were in the wrong location.
We had extra stakes, just lacked a basic hammer to drive it into the stubborn Arizona earth. I reached down to the surface, where people had forged for over a hundred and fifty years, tugged on small rocks about twice the size of my hand trying to find one that was only surface deep… Not too many of those types in that neck of the woods… make that rocks…
I finally found an unwilling party and tossed it up and down lightly in the palm of my hand to test the weight and cool the rock wearing the element of an Arizona summer. That baby was hot! Necessity pushed me forward, maybe a little like the people who’d gone before me on that old mining road that would soon be a memory.
Despite the intense heat of the rock turned hammer, I reared it above my head and shoulder bringing it crashing down like thunder toward the earth from where it came. I wiggled my fingers slightly in my grip trying to let some arid air pass around it in my hand to cool the baby boulder along with my searing hand.
After several strikes and penetration into the earth, my hand rattled with shock as the steel stake found a bigger boulder than the one in my hand. I continued to move the searing rock around in my hand trying new sites in hopes of finding a place that wouldn’t have a car-sized boulder hiding below the surface.
The stinging pain bid me to quit my endeavor, but something inside me, maybe a slight glimpse of the stuff that made up the descendants of honor that crossed this path hundreds of years before me, pushed me on despite my burning flesh. Those pioneers exerted their will in and on this world, the old road is proof of their resolve in a time that was infinitely harder than the one that brought me to drive a steel rod with a hot rock for a hammer.
We as a society and many Christians gave gotten soft. We seek to avoid discomfort more than we seek to do that in which we’re called and the things we know are right.
I was surprised to find a blister burned into my thumb. Maybe we still have enough of our heritage left in us to make a difference. I used my teeth, like the ones of old would have done, to tear a hole in my blister and drain it. I’d forgotten how much that burns…
I think there’s a lesson here somewhere.
Bill (cycelguy)
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 2:09 pm
Sure there’s a lesson here: don’t grab a hot rock off the Arizona desert floor. 🙂 The other lesson is hard ground brings blisters. May my heart not be that hard and resistant to the Spirit’s leading.
Floyd
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 3:20 pm
Well… That’s not the one I was thinking of, but you made me belly laugh! Some things in life are hard and some of your duties most of us wouldn’t do. Not because we shouldn’t, but because we don’t want to. We want someone else to do the unpleasant things in life for us. Thanks for doing what you do and making me laugh!
Dan Black
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 7:08 pm
HA, good lesson:)
Floyd
Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 7:52 am
Gotta love Bill’s sense of humor, wit, and wisdom!
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 4:39 pm
Doing the right thing, what needs to be done–what a novel concept, right? It seems more and more like the world is set up to either discourage us from stepping out to help or actively punishes. Consequently, people start living out excuses and fighting about whose responsibility it is to get them everything that want. I don’t know how tough I am, but I want to follow Jesus and do the right thing wherever I am. Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 2:47 pm
I love the attitude, Jason! And from my vantage point of age and hopefully a smidgeon of wisdom I know you’re tough. Being obedient to our Father is never the easy thing, it’s almost always the hardest thing, but produces the greatest fruit. The things I’ve seen you and your wife do and accomplish in the last several years proves to me you two are not only chosen, but are the tough and loving ones of our Father. I’m with you, I want to follow Jesus and do the right things as well. May we encourage one another to do so always. Thanks, brother.
Hazel Moon
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 7:14 pm
Someone before you had taken the easy way out and the result was the stake and rope were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thank you for reminding us to do the right thing and not to take short cuts. The way to Salvation has no short cuts. Jesus make it clear we must follow the plans and get it right.
Great Post Floyd!
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 2:48 pm
Very well said, as usual, Hazel! There are not short cuts to Salvation, “No man comes unto the Father but by Me.” Excellent observation. Thanks, Hazel.
Barb Raveling
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 8:58 pm
I think another lesson is, don’t tear a hole in your blister with your teeth – that doesn’t sound good. 🙂 🙂 My youngest daughter is writing college essays at the table next to me as I write this. One of the questions she had to answer was “What is the biggest problem your generation will face?” Her answer was entitlement and she gave some great examples of ways society and parents cater to kids to produce entitled kids.
I know entitlement is something I’ve had to fight against as a writer – looking at life from God’s perspective doesn’t come naturally to me in the work arena. I want life to be fun and easy and writing has been neither fun nor easy for me. In that sense, it’s been a wonderful opportunity for growth. And it’s actually becoming fun now that I’ve had a year and a half of steady writing under my belt. 🙂
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 3:12 pm
I’ve learned along the way, although it’s been a while, that the quickest way to get a blister to heal is to pop it… or bite a hole in it with your teeth!
Your daughter sounds like a wise young lady… I have an idea of where that came from; From Above and through you and your husband… I’m with you on the struggles in life, we don’t like them but they seem to bring out the best in us for sure. Isn’t it interesting how much more gratifying anything we seek to endeavor is after a longer struggle? The harder the task the sweeter the taste of finishing. Thanks, Barb.
Barb Raveling
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 10:23 pm
That is true about the sweetness of success after a long struggle. I never used to try anything hard and I’m thoroughly enjoying it when I finish writing a book now.
Floyd
Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 4:54 pm
Gratification is one of the sweetest gifts our Father gives us. I know the feeling, good for you, Barb. The process in itself is what makes us successful, not an appointment by mankind. Thanks, Barb.
Rick Dawson
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 9:58 pm
Wait…what? You think we’ve gotten soft? Whatever would give you that idea? 🙂
Seriously good stuff here that could be mined for a few lessons (note to self: Arizona has already been mined repeatedly, and taught hard lessons to those who would stay and settle. Remember that.)
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 3:14 pm
I swear you must have been first in line when God was passing out wit! You got it, brother! And how I enjoy it! Thanks, Rick.
Micah
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 2:59 am
Comfort or calling. You capture it perfectly. It’s a continual challenge for me, for all of us perhaps, yet there can be something so exciting about stepping into the discomfort of purpose and being who it is we’re called to be. In fact, we’re probably not really living until we do. It’s pretty tough to name any experience that is exciting and comfortable at the same time.
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 3:24 pm
I think we’re kind of on the same page today, Micah. You have some serious wisdom to share, Micah. “It’s pretty tough to name any experience that is exciting and comfortable at the same time.” I’ll give you as a reference when I share this line, which could be quite often! Thanks, Micah.
Mia
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 5:35 am
Hi Floyd
Is your shoulder okay with this hard excercises? You mentioned that you are going for surgery in Feb. I don’t think we grow in faith and dependance on our Lord Jesus with picking up many, many blisters along the way! We see our suffering and wonder why our Pappa allows that, but fortunately we realize that we groan under the Hand who leaves no stone unturned to discipline His children. Paul actually told us not to be supprised when we go through trails and suffering for it is only to reveal God’s. Glory in our lives as we learn with every valley to draw nearer to God who lives in us. How is able to do that.
Much love XX
Mia
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 3:27 pm
It’s actually my left shoulder I’m having surgery on, but I’ll be using that one right up until surgery time! Good call, Mia. There is pain and suffering as we kick up dust down here on this rock. Love the play on words, “Leaves no stone untuned to discipline His children.” All things point to our Father’s sovereignty. Thanks for the reminder, Mia.
Loren Pinilis
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 2:05 pm
It’s inspiring to think of those who have gone before us. They were a tougher breed in many ways. It also makes me think of the stories I’ll get to tell to my kids and grandkids – like we used to actually have to rewind VHS’s. Tough living.
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 3:29 pm
Too funny! I tell my kids often about me standing up at the TV set winding the dial to change the channels when there were only three! The ones before us were definitely tougher… Thanks, Loren.
Lisa notes
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 4:30 pm
“We as a society and many Christians gave gotten soft. We seek to avoid discomfort…”
I know I’m as guilty of this as anybody. 🙁 When I think about Christians in hostile countries who are really persecuted, I feel even wimpier. But so thankful for second (and billionth!) chances that we can continue to learn lessons from and remember that the Lord is our strength.
You sound like you’re still pretty tough to me, Floyd. I’m not sure I’d bite into my blister. 🙂
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 6:16 pm
We’re all guilty to a degree here I think, Lisa, some of us more than others, me for sure. I know you’re doing your part and have reminded me to get out there and be the hands, feet, and heart of our Father. I’m still a bit rough around the edges, but my hearts not as jagged as it once was. Thanks, Lisa.
Dan Black
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 7:09 pm
Reading this reminded me about the importance of persevering and being diligent in what ever we do (through every season of life). Great people paved the way to discover land in America and it took a lot for them to do that. Great post!
Floyd
Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 4:48 pm
Diligence is one of many things that you possess, Dan. That is the most key of gifts, brother. Thanks for using your gift here, Dan.
Jennifer Dougan
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 7:36 pm
Hi, so how did you get involved with moving that stake for the mine?
Re your comment on my post “After the Turkey and Stuffing…” I love those folded up, wrinkled papers with meaningful verses on them! I have a few of those myself.
Family is at home where-ever we are, you said? That’s a nice reminder. Thanks.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 4:53 pm
I’m actually building a house on a site that has the old mining road running through it… or it did. Those wrinkled up papers are part of our legacy. And yes, wherever you are is home for your family. You are the home, sister. Thanks, Jennifer.
Dolly@Soulstops
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 11:39 pm
Floyd,
Ouch, as I read your post…thinking about your hand…and also asking myself that tough question…I pray God will give me the grace to do the hard thing when He asks me to do so….and I pray I am close enough to Him, I will trust Him like Mary…blessings to you and I hope your hand is feeling better.
Floyd
Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 4:55 pm
I have the same prayer, Dolly. My hand is fine and has seen much worse in my time! Thanks, Dolly. I always appreciate your heart.
Betty Draper
Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 11:15 pm
The thing I learned from reading this post is always have a pair of gloves with me in case I need to pound a metal stake in the desert rocky ground with a hot rock. Great true life story brother…fresh off the hot desert. Seems you made a few of us laugh and ponder your truthful words. All good truths are learn the hard way through hard times. Many times watching people living in a remote village using primitive instruments do manual labor I felt like I stepped back in time. Just to clear a patch of ground to grow some yams and taro or cut down a tree and cut by hand slabs of lumber for housing takes more work then some people do in a year. Convenience always makes people soft and unappreciative. Good post brother…
Floyd
Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 7:51 am
“Convenience always makes people soft and unappreciative.” Those are powerful words that pack a punch! We take so much for granted when we take our turn in history. All the struggle and grief that it took to bring the conveniences to us can’t be measured by us since we didn’t purchase the conveniences with our blood, sweat, and tears. What a profound point you’ve made, Betty. May our Father open our hearts and minds to the realities of our conveniences and put them in their proper perspective. Excellent point! Thanks, Betty.
Betty Jo
Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 11:21 am
While living in Oregon, and taking a lot of the back trails for photography opportunities we often ran across markers telling of the first settlers in the area. I often wondered what it must have been like for them, pioneering those wilderness areas, before there were roads, or even cars. They didn’t have a lot of options, for taking the easy way of doing anything. I think we have gotten soft today, because we have way too many options. If Plan A (a hot rock) doesn’t work, there’s always Plan B. Not so back in the day. Bob Sorge says in his book “Unrelenting Prayer” When we come to God in prayer, we often have a contingency plan already tucked quietly in the back of our minds. Just in case He doesn’t answer in our time frame, or His answer disappoints, or it’s just too hard to receive, we simply move to Plan B. Which of course makes for a lot of Christian weaklings, with few blisters!
Floyd
Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 2:56 pm
Oooo. That hits a spot in my mind as well. We have come so used to satisfying our needs and desires of the flesh that we miss the needs of our souls. May we all have the wisdom to know and the discipline to lean on the strength of our Father to fulfill His plan A in our lives. Great point, Betty Jo! Thanks!
child of God
Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 4:26 pm
Hi Floyd,
Many times I have used rocks as hammers to fix the fences around the farm. I know that deep, underlying determination you speak of and I wonder if push came to shove we would toughen up real quick and do what needs to be done in order to get the job done and then, just as quick, become soft and lazy again because we found a way that is easier.
Biting blisters. 🙂 That’s a good, quick way to drain them. 😛
Blessings.
Floyd
Sunday, December 8, 2013 @ 2:52 pm
Good point. Our flesh does tend to slack doesn’t it? It’s a battle with this skin I’ll tell ya’… I do appreciate and respect that type of determination, I think it’s a gift from God… but we do take it all for granted. I suppose a pin would have been better, but I didn’t have one of those handy either!
Mike
Tuesday, December 10, 2013 @ 6:53 pm
You sound as stubborn as me, Floyd. I’m the same way. When I get my mind set on accomplishing something, there are very few things that are going to stop me. It’s like today, I cleared a good size parking lot of ice and snow by myself for the most part. Although I was hurting and felt exhausted, I could not bring myself to quit until I was done. There was a guy around my age who did come out and help me for a little while while a 20 year old young man sat inside and watched. We are dinosaurs and will soon be extinct. 🙂
Floyd
Wednesday, December 11, 2013 @ 6:18 pm
I love that! I’m with you, Mike. There’s something inside me that can’t quit until the task at hand is accomplished. You are the type of person people want beside them during the toughest times in life. You are a leader, brother! Thanks, Mike.
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, December 11, 2013 @ 2:58 pm
Life changes so often. I’m not a desert-y person very often, b/c I rarely am at one… well, except when going through states while on the road and goin’ and goin’ where I needed to be. The important part is being where the Lord calls us to be, both to deal with nature and deal with people. AND, as you know, I’m so “rocky” I’d have a hard time NOT stopping and grabbing whatever I could. Did in many states… and a few nations. Sorry re: your blister; I’ve automatically popped mine, even though the pain lasts longer. DUH!! Sometimes not so bright; too much knee-jerking takes over.
I liked this. Enjoyed it. Bless you, Floyd.
Floyd
Wednesday, December 11, 2013 @ 6:21 pm
You and I are two peas in a pod, sister! Love your stories. You are a whirlwind, Joanne! Thanks for sharing, sister.