Sleet and Sunny Skies
Word From Wiese
September 23, 2026
That about summarizes my two mountain climbs in Colorado last week.
Last Monday, my terrific college buddy, Andy Kipker, and I arose at 3:30 AM to make the short drive to the trailhead of Mt. Grays and Mt. Torreys.
(Most 14,000-foot climbs feature just one summit. But in this rare case, the second summit is close enough that you can “bag” two by reaching the first summit, hiking down into the saddle and up again to the second, and then descending all the way back down.)
All was well at the trailhead. Gorgeous twinkling stars greeted us above. Even an hour into the hike, the sunrise
kissed the morning clouds. We weren’t shocked when we felt some scattered showers; those were predicted. But the weather soon turned unexpectedly nasty–the nastiest of any outdoor adventure I’ve undertaken. Drenching rain, biting sleet in our faces, and unrelenting wind.
The next day, weather sites described the situation like this: “A true alpine cold front slammed into the Front Range yesterday. The high saddle connecting Grays and Torreys acted as a geographic funnel, with wind accelerating violently as it squeezed over the ridge. The true 35- to 45-mph gusts on the exposed ridge saddle made the real-feel wind chill plummet into the low teens (12–15°F). The ice, cold mist, and biting wind felt like an immediate slap of winter.”
I paid the price for foolishly not packing waterproof gloves. The mountain goats prancing in the pictures of
summertime hikers clearly stayed home that day, deciding that only goofballs would endure those miserable conditions!
Then, two days later.
On Wednesday morning, we were up again at 3:30 AM for summit climb #2. But this time, Andy’s wife, Mira, and my daughter, Morgan, joined us. No 14,000-foot climb is a walk in the park. But Mt. Sherman is known as one of the wiser 14ers for a first climb.
The wonderful news was that the weather couldn’t have been better. Sunshine, friendly and puffy clouds, and gentle breezes. We had a blast. The two ladies dug deep and they rocked it.
One weather analysis compared the two days this way: “You essentially caught the two extremes of September hiking in Colorado: a brutal, wet, wind-funneled cold front on Monday, and a mild, heavily insulated pre-storm window on Wednesday, a pause before the next round of rain rolled in.”
Andy and I were very pleased for Morgan and Mira that the weather days weren’t flip-flopped!
Why share this story?
Well, it was another lesson for me regarding the value of partnership, friendship, and connection. Any hike, in good weather or gnarly weather, is better “together.”
On sunny days, life’s trips are always more enjoyable with the voices, commentary, encouragement, songs, riddles, and help of teammates. During nasty days, one could argue that partnership is even more important. When the wind howls, the fingers go numb, and the pathway isn’t always clear, how wonderful it is to have trusted family and friends surrounding you.
That’s what Jesus teaches us, isn’t it?
We’re not the Lone Rangers of Christ. We’re the “body of Christ.” We’re fashioned by God to do life and make the journey together. We all need our quiet time, sure. But overall, we’re called into community.
As Romans 12:15 calls us to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” Or maybe, on some days, help each other with suntan lotion when the sun is out, and on other days help each other with our windbreakers when the sleet is pummeling us!
How are you doing with those connections?
God provides us with many possibilities, and so many wonderful ones are out in the community. But I certainly invite you to consider the connections God gives us at Christ Our Shepherd—or at your local congregation if you are reading this from another state.
Worship. Coffee hours. Bible studies. Musical groups. Mom and Dad groups. Wednesday night congregational dinners. And, even more recently, kickball teams!
Likewise, if you ever need to talk one-on-one, please let Pastor Wes or me know. We always treasure the opportunity to simply talk with people about life and their faith journeys. So always feel free to call us and set up a time to talk.
On sunny and stormy days alike, we were made to make the journey together!
Questions for Reflection
- Think about a “stormy” season in your life. Who has been one of the people God provided to walk beside you—and how did their presence make a difference?
- Who might God be inviting you to walk alongside right now, whether they are experiencing a season of sunshine or a season of sleet?
In Christ’s hope,
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray:
Loving God, thank You for the people You place beside us on life’s journey. Help us receive the support of others with gratitude and offer that same support to those who need us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
—Romans 12:15
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
—Galatians 6:2
