At the summit of Mt. Everest, the temperature never rises above freezing.
Wind speeds in May are 20-35 mph, the temps range from 0° Fahrenheit to 2° below, and the precipitation at base camp is rain instead of the usual snow. Most ascents are planned for May to take advantage of the comparatively gentler, drier conditions.
David Breashears planned to ascend Mt. Everest in May, 1996 to make an IMAX film. But, long before the ascent to the top of Mt. Everest; long before they assembled the climbing team; long before the film crew was selected; and long before the Sherpas were hired:
David Breashears made a plan.
When the time finally did come for Breashears and crew to ascend Mt. Everest, he had what Jim Collins (of Good to Great fame) calls a "SMaC recipe" (i. e., a plan that's Specific, Methodical, and Consistent). It was filled with very practical steps to ensure a safe and successful climb, as well as a great film. Its purpose was to impose certainty on every aspect of the climb, to achieve assurance that every safety precaution was taken, to inspire confidence that they were going to make a great film about a great adventure, to ensure that absolutely nothing was left to chance.
Among the steps in the SMaC were things like (Step #3) Thread the camera with bare hands, no matter how cold, to ensure a perfect shot every time, and (Step #8) Always bring backups for critical gear and supplies: extra oxygen, extra crampons, extra mittens, and extra supplies. Be prepared to stay longer than planned. With that kind of specificity and forethought, you can be certain the other steps were just as meaningful.
Which leads us to Step #7 of the Breashears SMaC: In selecting teammates, choose people to get stranded with.
Now, that's some forethought.
The rest of the SMaC steps were particular to making the film and the Everest climb, but Step #7 can be applied anywhere. We don’t have to climb Mt. Everest to appreciate the wisdom in carefully choosing our companions, no matter what adventures we share.
That's why this week's Philippians passage stands out for me. Paul calls us believers to be a community; to agree with each other; to put each other first; to truly love each other. Then, he ratchets up the stakes by giving us an example of what he means: Jesus choosing to give up his place in heaven so He could put us first. Paul wants us to be willing to let everything go —if that’s what it takes— to help each other; to be selfless, obedient, sacrificial.
Paul's encouragements underscore, perfectly, why we should choose spiritual journey teammates we’re willing to be stranded with ... because until Jesus returns, that’s exactly where we are: stranded.
So, yes, put Step #7 into action. But, more importantly, be that teammate they want to be stranded with.
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Different versions of this reflection appeared about this time in 2014 and 2017.
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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Proper 21 (26) (September 24, 2017)Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
Psalm 25:1-9
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32
READ/PRINT THESE SCRIPTURES AT: https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=161
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We had a great time last Friday at our first ever Zoom Lectionary Breakfast! Join us on Zoom this week at 8:00am for an hour like no other: scripture, discussion, laughter. BYOB (Bring your own breakfast).
Please contact me at least one day early if you want to attend. I will get you the Zoom Link and let our Zoom GateKeeper know so you can be admitted.
Blessings,
Steve
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