Time for another installment of fun, fruitful, freezing facts about our wonderful trip!
The above picture is of Samson, a magnificently huge Elk that hangs above the fireplace. You're probably wondering whether we came up with the name ourselves, and the answer is, unfortunately, no. Beside Samson's chimney, there is a picture of Samson when he was alive and a plaque below that describes the circumstances by which The YMCA of the Rockies came by this beautiful beast.
Samson was evidently one of Estes Park's most prized wild Elk, wandering free and wowing the locals and the tourists alike. Samson unfortunately fell prey to a poacher who shot him purely for his beautiful rack and had him stuffed as you see above. He was prosecuted by the city of Estes Park (I believe), was found guilty of illegally killing this wonderful animal, and among his many fines and other criminal punishments, he was required to relinquish his Samson "trophy". This is how the YMCA came to possess Samson. They keep him over their main fireplace in the main lodge of the facility (he wears a Santa hat) with his picture and his plaque, reminding all the visitors moving through the building about the importance of conservation and respect for all creation, including the environment and the animals and people within.
One of the main points highlighted during the last few discussions I've had with my small groups has been the interconnectedness between man, nature, and God. It is easy to be awed by nature and God's creation while surrounded by these beautiful mountains, though somewhat more difficult when living our day-to-day lives, mostly in the city. Our relationship to God's creation is essential and telling of our relationship with God. If one cannot cultivate a relationship of awe and respect for their natural surroundings, God's creation, then is it possible to have a truly sound awe and respect for God? If we cannot love and respect each other, how can we expect to show true love and respect to God? Samson the Elk is a reminder of the importance of awe, the importance of respect with regard to nature and respect between ourselves.
I appreciate that being in this setting with such brilliant minds from all across the country has fostered such important discussions. This has been a week focused on strengthening our relationships with God and with our fellow believers, and the fact that such personal and important topics are able to be broached between relative strangers is really a small miracle and a testament to the determination and passion of all the people participating in Gather Around the Table.
And now... OFF TO BUNDLE UP AND GO SLEDDING!!!!! YEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAW!!!!
Love and Hugs,
Alli
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