Exceptional Voyage

The book Endurance by Alfred Lansing, has been labeled "A thrilling reading experience! One of the greatest adventure stories of our times" by the New York Times Book Review. I began this tremendous read in October during a trip to the Rocky Mountains with my extended family. My father, bless his heart, fell ill during the holiday. Nothing tragic or life-threatening--simply a virus which chose to infect his body and thus thwarted his relaxing, recreational getaway with loved ones.

Feeling sorry for his need to stay at the cabin and rest while the lot of us enjoyed the delightful 60-70 degree weather, I loaned him my book, stating he was sure to enjoy it's adventurous tale of true events. In short, he took to the the pages of Endurance with such gusto, I could only steal it away from him during his naps, which, upon awakening, turned his mood quite sour. Reluctantly, I returned the book to him to finish.

Around Thanksgiving, I requested my book returned me. My father said he had placed it safely in the side compartment of my son's duffel bag upon our last visit. "I have not seen it," I replied confused and a little perturbed. My mind had not ceased in repeating the journey (as far as I had read) of the twenty-nine men on their Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition gone array. "Maybe someone took it from the bag..." he suggested.

The only possiblity lay with my mother-in-law who, at the time, housed my brother-in-law who himself had tarried three times on the frozen continent of Antarctica. She may have stumbled across the book in the boys' bag and understandably thought it his instead of mine. My assumption proved correct when I found a copy of the book (he had the exact edition) stashed inside the guestroom nightstand. The personally named bookmark remained entombed at the spot I had paused my reading and loaned to my father.

My heart was delighted and I wasted no time devouring the book for an hour.

Per the usual for non-fiction biographical recollections, parts proved painfully slow and so commenced my mental consumption. Other times, I comprehended and read with enthusiasm. My goal was to finish in a week or two, but other books, the Bible and my current small group study manual, vied for my attention and the early 20th century story often went to the wayside

The year's end closed quickly. Determined to finish the inspiring tale of Ernest Shackleton, I read and read and, on December 31, 2010, I finished Endurance, a book which, as trivial as it sounds, moved my soul like no other book aside from the Bible itself.

If you have never read, please do not hesitate to pick up and pour yourself into the tale of unsung heroism, terrible odds, undying hope and ultimate triumph. This book has made it into my personal hall of fame. Even as I type this blog, my heart's in a vice; tears are near falling. These men may have known Jesus as their Savior, or they may not have had the privilege. Truly, I hope they came to know Him after surviving such an exceptional voyage seen through by only God Himself, which has inspired me (among others, I presume), to live my life with new enthusiasm and wonder.

Yet, I cannot help but ponder, "Could I have accomplished such a feat? Not necessarily physically, but mentally? Could I today, in my immediate state, persevere through such daunting occurences, bleak outcomes, and dismal surroundings?" These men were tough, not only in physique, but in mind and soul. That said, they could not possibly have survived, without a heavenly hand guiding each of their steps during such a perilous trek.

As I have seen/heard others do as of late, I am giving a title for my 2010 and aiming a name for my 2011. This year, which has passed, has been wrought with heartache for me. Difficult circumstances God has allowed in His sovereignty have brought me further into His confidence, revealing His nature like I have not known before. My faith has wavered, yes, doubts about my path in life has entered, but I have not set foot on another road. The Holy Spirit, in His wise counsel, has kept me steadfast amidst many questions that continue even now. You see, my 2010 has been a disappointment in many ways. I feel more a sinner and further from understanding God than ever before and in the same breath I cannot cease in praising His unconditional love. Therefore, I give the name, BROKEN, to my 2010.

2011 may prove to be simliar in many respects. Trials and hardships are certain, as any believer may concur. But Shackleton's voyage has given me hope. I long to not only be prepared for the Lord's return, but, like the 23 marooned men on Elephant Island who awaited their leader's rescue, I desire to do so with faithful anticipation. American Christians have been labeled "light weights" by brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. We experience little persecution in comparison. Our hardships are set more to the course of staying pure in a defiled world. Not becoming deluded by Satan's stomping ground. Continuing the course, as lights shining in the darkness. Doing deeds indicative of Christ Himself.

Thus, the title I pronounce upon my 2011 is ENDURE. For that is what I desire, with all my heart to achieve from this day forward. Endure in faith; endure in hope; endure in love. For the darkness is coming and the Lord's is about to return.

Will you join me, friend?