Running the Rapids

​​​by Adam Kronberger / Head of School

In the early 2000’s my wife and I enjoyed a whitewater rafting adventure on the renowned Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. My brother was a rafting guide and the trip was a wedding present.At one of the overnight campsites, there was a technical rolling rapid nearby that crashed into a sheer rock wall as the river made a sharp turn around the bend. After eating dinner, a few of the daredevils strapped on a helmet and attempted to successfully ride the violent stretch of rapids in a hardshell kayak. As most attempts were unsuccessful, a man downriver would throw a rope to the gasping floater trying to hold on to their paddle and overturned kayak. Once a firm grip was placed on the carefully tossed rope, simple tension and the force of the river would veer the exhausted kayaker to safety on shore downriver.

I made several unsuccessful attempts myself, enjoying the adrenaline rush that comes from a challenge against nature. We got into a routine in which the last person down the rapids would be responsible to throw the rope for the next hopeful hero. The guide on the shore with the rope would also shout words of instructions as the kayaker attempted the rapids. As expected,  after a failed attempt each submerged swimmer gladfully accepted the help and guidance from the previous kayaker and the well-placed rope.

Yet too often in life we can arrogantly refuse the aid of those who have gone before us, neglecting the very lifeline that is intended to bring us back to safety. Many of the writers of the Bible have experienced the rapids of life and learned the value of a lifeline, and provide Spirit-led wisdom verse after verse. God also puts others around us who may be in a position to provide guidance in areas we unknowingly have inadequacies. Just as I accepted the words of instruction and the rope lifeline from the rafter who witnessed my rapids attempt, Christians are surrounded by “witnesses” who testify of God’s faithfulness and wisdom. (Hebrews 12:1)

As the end of the school year draws near, consider how your family can be mentored throughout the summer by God’s Word and by the wise counselors available in your life. You can also join those in the CCS community who have recently signed up for 10,000+ Bible Study videos on RightNow Media  (you can also text RightNow Crosshill to 41411 to join on your smartphone). It can make a nice addition this summer to “Family Night” in between running the rapids.
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– Adam Kronberger / Head of School