"All the memories have started to come back to me. The tearful nights and the trying days have come to torture me. All the thoughts I have are for God. And yet, the pain is still there. But God's grace takes domain of my thoughts. My love for Christ comforts. He holds me when I am tired. He carries me when I am weak. He supports me when I am frail. He comforts me when I am distressed. The love of God prevails." From my journal, dated June 26th, 2008.
It seems like life slows down in the mountains. But we all know that it doesn't slow down. I realized that it is just me taking the time to open my eyes. God's characteristics are made so clear and glorious every time I explore the hidden wild. This is why I love hiking, over every other physical activity. I'm not particularly athletic so it can be difficult at times. And I tend to take up the rear. I enjoy my time. The intense quiet of the forest and the beautiful surroundings can totally take you by surprise. I revel in it. I like to hike on the path by myself. No one is talking, there aren't any shouts, and I can just listen and consume. I remember those hikes when a snake would pass over the path. Or a bird would dare to share a conversation with you. And it was in those moments that everything made sense, when I could fully release my stress and pain from life into the hands of God.
This was Dad's view of hiking also. He was a purest. Follow the quiet path, take your time, enjoy the surroundings, take chances, never use electronics (even a flash light), and live a rugged life in the pure depths of God's glorious creation. You couldn't help but fall in love with the high sierras. His joy in these moments would spill over to you. I learned to rejoice in the simple things, just by embracing the simple life you learn to live while hiking. There may be difficult paths. And definitely trials you weren't prepared for. But if you know what to do, and you understand why, then those difficulties become little stones to skip over. And don't forget your balance. It is easy to fall over when you have 40lbs of supplies on your back. But if you start early and you think clearly than those moments when balance is crucial will be second hand. Don't forget the trail heads. You may have found your way on the path. But leave a simple pile of rocks. Someone may come along who will travel faster and safer by following your trail.
Can't you see the foundational Christian ideals that are reflected through hiking? It is a beautiful allegory of the Christian life. It also puts things in perspective. You see through the mirror just a little clearer. There is nothing on earth that can come close to the feeling of watching the sun rise over a tall peak with your bible in your lap and your heart full of joyful songs. It shows that God's love has prevailed. And no trials will over conquer Him. There is only one that we need and He is already present and faithful when we are not.
This was Dad's view of hiking also. He was a purest. Follow the quiet path, take your time, enjoy the surroundings, take chances, never use electronics (even a flash light), and live a rugged life in the pure depths of God's glorious creation. You couldn't help but fall in love with the high sierras. His joy in these moments would spill over to you. I learned to rejoice in the simple things, just by embracing the simple life you learn to live while hiking. There may be difficult paths. And definitely trials you weren't prepared for. But if you know what to do, and you understand why, then those difficulties become little stones to skip over. And don't forget your balance. It is easy to fall over when you have 40lbs of supplies on your back. But if you start early and you think clearly than those moments when balance is crucial will be second hand. Don't forget the trail heads. You may have found your way on the path. But leave a simple pile of rocks. Someone may come along who will travel faster and safer by following your trail.
Can't you see the foundational Christian ideals that are reflected through hiking? It is a beautiful allegory of the Christian life. It also puts things in perspective. You see through the mirror just a little clearer. There is nothing on earth that can come close to the feeling of watching the sun rise over a tall peak with your bible in your lap and your heart full of joyful songs. It shows that God's love has prevailed. And no trials will over conquer Him. There is only one that we need and He is already present and faithful when we are not.