Ascension : Grotto News - Thought For The Week
Submitted by The Islander (Shari Parkhill) 30.10.2008 (Article Archived on 13.11.2008)

This weekend I was hiking with a couple of friends. We were in Goat Hole Ravine, the site of one of the new letterboxes being established by the Heritage Society.

This weekend I was hiking with a couple of friends.  We were in Goat Hole Ravine, the site of one of the new letterboxes being established by the Heritage Society.  On the way back I had a bit of tumble.  Luckily I fell backwards instead of forwards, which would have resulted in a more serious fall down a steep embankment.  As much as I muttered and complained, I know I was lucky.

It always amazes me with the amount of hiking and hashing that goes on around the island that there aren’t more serious injuries.  We have had some poor souls who have broken bones and otherwise injured themselves quite severely, but overall, considering the unforgiving terrain, not as many of these injuries as we might expect.  I know that for myself, I’ve been very lucky, since I think this week’s tumble was probably the worst I’ve had.  I just hope I’m not cursing myself by saying that!

All it took was one step on uneven ground, and out went my foot from under me.  It then became a matter of a domino effect and gravity, and down I went.  That awful feeling when you know you aren’t going to recover this time, that split second before everything starts to connect rather forcefully with rocks and the ground, seems to last for ever.

It just goes to show that no matter how much we think we are in control of the situation, something can sneak up on us and unbalance us.   As careful as we are being, one misstep can end that feeling of control.  It also shows that we need to think through our actions carefully.  While a physical fall might not be avoidable when traversing rough terrain, no matter how careful we are trying to be, it is a bit different with the choices we make in our life.  There are so many times when we can decide what actions to take.  How many times do we know we are not making the right choice, but make it anyway?

So, this week maybe we should examine some of our personal choices, and be sure we are making the best ones that we can.  It’s simply a way to protect ourselves from the negative results that might happen.  Although we can still get swept of our feet by unforeseen forces, it will be easier to handle if we don’t also have the knowledge that we created this situation.  

               I know that there are those who say that by hiking in rough areas, maybe I’m setting myself up for a bad fall, and they might be right, but I’m also of the belief that one has to enjoy this life, and the beauty of this island that is God’s creation.  I think this falls (pardon the pun!) into a different category than making bad personal choices!  And I also thank God that there must be some truth to the old saying that God protects fools and crazy people!

May God continue to bless us all here on Ascension, and especially the ones who walk, run, hike, hash, and otherwise explore this wonderful place that He has made.