The "Grizzly Man"

Recently, I was exposed to the life of a man, who in his commitment to what he loved and was passionate about, challenged me to my very core. His story was one that included danger and mystery and internal battles, but most of all it was the story of a man who was totally devoted to his cause. “Grizzly Man” is how most people know him - due to the recent release of a documentary which chronicles the last parts of his extraordinary last days here on earth. Timothy Treadwell - his real name - lived among grizzly bears in Alaska for 13 summers in a row. He camped in a tent for 3 to 4 months every year, during which he watched, studied, named and interacted with grizzlies. He recorded his last five summers in Alaska on film. It was inexplicably clear that this life of simplicity and danger was what Tim was created for. He thrived on connecting with the bear. Despite the constant threat of injury or death and the lack of modern conveniences, Tim would not trade that life for any other. He loved what he did and would, as he said several times, die for the bears. Ultimately, Timothy was killed by the very animal he longed to know and protect. I cannot tell you with adequate words how much Tim’s life challenged my soul. He was sold out to his passion, and would gladly pay the ultimate price for his cause, and tragically he did. I however am not always sold out to what God has put on my heart to do and share. What I love about the life of Timothy Treadwell was that his passions for his life’s mission made him seem, to the “normal” man, a little crazy. Many have said foolish. I pray that my commitment to Christ, and the calling He has placed on my life, would be looked upon as passionate and counted as foolish. (1 Corinthians 1: 18-31) Timothy Treadwell knew what price he was willing to pay for what he loved. Do I? Do You? -submitted by Daniel Shearer