The Vanishing Point

As every good artist knows, the vanishing point is where all the lines of perspective converge to form a single point in the distance.  For the outdoors person, there is also a vanishing point where the stress and care of everyday living all come together to vanish into one focus.  In this post I hope to answer the why of survival and not just the what, and it’s about the vanishing point.  When you go out of the routine of your life into the wilderness, it usually takes a day or two, but the healing balm of nature combined with fresh air and the physical output of hiking and climbing, begins to take deep effect.

Maybe by the second or third morning as the morning sun slants across the clearing where your tent or hammock rests, you begin to move to a different and more relaxing pace.  Humankind was not made to live among lifeless, unyielding steel and concrete.  Our purpose was to live in harmony with nature, tending a to garden, enjoying the fruits of our gentle labors.  Instead we have the modern, monstrous construct of crowded places, congested roads and the rage of frustrated humanity around us.  No wonder we long for the wide, open spaces, the deep greens of the forest and the refreshing breezes across a body of water.  Our soul longs to drink in the purpose for which we were created.  Being intimately instructed in the ways of the natural world, will make all of us want to be better stewards of it, to pass along knowledge and wisdom, to teach to others sustainable methods of living that uses the resources of today thoughtfully while sparing enough for tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that……

Being in the wilderness needs to more than just vacationing, or gear testing or even skill developing. Again, we must not just know what to do but why we do it!  It is to develop a deep appreciation for all created things as well as the God Who made it all and us.  The average urbanite doesn’t comprehend the natural cycle of things or where those things come from.  They live the consumer lifestyle buying plastic, packaged stuff with which to fill the appetite of their soul.  But that which will truly satisfy cannot be found on a shelf or on social media or through watching someone else live out their life on YouTube.

The whole point of survival is to get to the point where, after the crisis has passed, that you are able to continue to live your life with as much peace and joy as you employed before the event.  This, of course, only happens if your life and soul is dedicated to serving and worshiping the Creator and not things.  We must have a purpose, a calling if you will, that extends far beyond us to the Greater Plan that surrounds us.  Life is not about just eating, drinking and having pleasure for tomorrow we may die!  Real living is being part of something bigger than yourself and serving others to that end.

So, as you go about your daily routines, and as you plan and prepare for the crises of life, which will surely come, don’t forget that the purpose of living is to freely enjoy all the things that God has given to us as we dedicate ourselves to the greater purpose for which we were made.  There is a great need for all of us to take the time and get away from the artificial constructs of humanity and reconnect with our God.  When you find Him, (Or He finds you!) all the cares and worries that bog you down disappear into the vanishing point of His Glory.  For truly, in Him we live, move and have our being.

James B.

PS. You can check out my website where you can set up training for many of these skills at www.waypointsurvival.com and look at and order my custom knives at www.benderknifeworks.com.