Cycle complete!
Spent 3 days at the stunning Lake Tekapo on my way back to Christchurch and as you can see imagine it is a very tranquil, peaceful place where I spent some good time relaxing, reading and reflecting in the tranquil surroundings. Although what I am about to write is not something we enjoy hearing of, stories like this make news headlines quite a bit, and being there when it happened has compelled me to mention it as it has impacted me quite a bit emotionally.
I was unaware until later of the tragedy that would shock the local area, when this photo was taken around the time that 11 kayakers got into difficulty nearby the forested island on Lake Tekapo. In the picture above you can kind of make it out in the middle of the Lake Tekapo. Arising from a sudden pickup in the wind it threw the kayakers into the water where 2 of them perished from the cold despite the fact they were wearing lifejackets. Most of the others swam to the island and from there lit a fire to alert the emergency services. At the time we were all unaware of what was going on until we heard the fire brigade siren ring out behind us. Even then it was another 2 hours before we learnt the tragic circumstances that had occurred. It made me think seriously about the frailty of life and how quickly it can be lost even with all the precautions that we take. They like me were tourists in NZ, relaxing and having some fun with the kayaks. Never would they have expected the weather to have changed so suddenly to have put their lives in so much danger. When they set out that morning they fully expected to return and to continue on their journey, not for a tragedy such as this to happen. For me on the bicycle I know that everyday there are risks to my life mainly in the form of cars and trucks. And although I do take all the precautions, to be seen at all times on the road, I am not immune from mistakes or recklessness of other drivers. It made me realize that life is SERIOUSLY unpredictable and that we never know the time or the hour that we will depart this earth. The only thing we can do is be ready for it. For me as many of you know I am a Christian, fully knowing that death is not the end. Death is only the start of eternity. My belief in what Jesus Christ has done for me on the cross in taking my the punishment I deserve because of my sin, has given me the assurance that I will be with him one day in heaven. I have had to ask forgiveness of him for all the sin I have done against him and against other people. My life may end tomorrow or it may be when I reach the grand old age of 100! None of us know. All I know is that I am ready for it whenever that day comes, and confident in the assurance of heaven. I hope you can say the same too.
1 Comment
9/29/2015 08:30:39
Thinking of you Dan as you journey on your adventure. I'm sure each day brings challenge s and delights. Wonderful that you can learn more about your Christian journey as well.
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The AuthorName: Daniel Ross Top Tips:
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