Of all my years in the mountains this photo is the only time I have been fortunate enough to see a Brocken Spectre.

A Brocken Spectre, put simply is the shadow of the observer cast upon cloud or mist. This spectacle is often seen on mountain ridges or summits when conditions are right, you may also encounter them looking down from a plane while flying over cloud.

Many legends and folk tales surround the concept of the Brocken Spectre. One common tale is that many an unfortunate mountaineer has followed them to their death. The theory is that in difficult conditions the mountaineer spots the Brocken Spectre and believing it to be a fellow climber walks towards it, straying from their route hoping to find a way down from the mountain, only to plummet to their death of the side of the ridge.

The links between this and religion are obvious; choosing who to follow is the most important decision of your life. Following the wrong person will be catastrophic.

As a Christian it is Jesus who we follow, but many people will try to persuade you from this path and the temptation to follow them will be strong.

To the mountaineer hoping for a way down, following the route they know to be right or following the image of someone in front of them promising an easier way would prove an important but tough decision.

Who you follow is the most important decision you will ever make.

Choose wisely.

– Graham