[1]   Stephen and I made a pilgrimage to a [2] specialist store in Bristol.  A Saturday afternoon, and in that part of town (Old Market) everything seemed shut - and just a bit downcast - but the shop was open.   “I want a fifi hook”, I explained, “Can you help me?”    He could and he reached for one.  As he did so I could see him looking me up and down and mentally assessing my fitness to use such a piece of equipment.  ”I don’t intend to use it for rock climbing”, I said.    We smiled, and he looked relieved - but probably pleased that staying open that dull Saturday afternoon had not been entirely wasted.

Problem is - will those for whom the object is intended be able to guess at its purpose without further help?   That’s why I also have a photo of a rockclimber on a vertical rock face - and the logo from the [3] Comic Relief climb of Kilimanjaro.  It will serve as an informal introduction to a [4] sermon on Psalm 121  .  

 We all need a [5] climbing aid for the challenge of life - and death.  Something to hold on to - cling to - trust in - rely on.

 ”I lift up my eyes to the hills         (…it’s an immense challenge…)    where *does* my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth.“ Psalm 121.   

 

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