Keep Walking when the trail is rough

The first Saturday each June is designated as National Trails Day.

Last year we took a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, and eagerly anticipated hiking the fabled trails.

 

 

Every day brought rain.

Finally, we made the decision to just go for it and chose a trail that was only about 1  1/2 miles.  That sounded doable. Especially to see a waterfall!

What novices we were.

 

 

Hiking in the rain might be fun for the prepared; less fun for those without hiking boots, rain gear, etc.

Instead, we naively set off in our regular sneakers.

We didn’t know the trail was largely uphill. In what could be described as torrential rain.

We didn’t know the water would stream down creating a river-like effect to muck through.

We didn’t know that every rock would feel greased under our feet.

We didn’t know that tree roots filled in the majority of non-rock filled spots.

 

 

Good thing we didn’t know how far 1 1/2 miles could seem. We might have given up.

It was the most difficult trail we have ever traversed. It was flat-out dangerous in those conditions.

Every step we had to gingerly test our footing, hoping not to sprain or twist or fall.

At the end? We were completely and utterly saturated with mud and moisture.

 

 

But in spite of these challenges? We created a memory.

Trails have a way of doing that. We struggle along, determined to make it somewhere, to travel further.

We look around, in awe of the beauty even in the struggle.

We are experiencing life.

When walking through the ‘valley of shadows,’ remember, a shadow is cast by a Light Austin O’Malley

 

 

We don’t even quite know where we are going, but that is what makes them exciting! Go find a trail.

Put your shoes on and start walking.

Who knows what will be found along the way?

 

 

The only guarantee about staying on the known paths? We’ll never see what is around the next corner.

There is no room for surprise and delight when every turn in the road is already memorized.

We need to stop letting fear or discomfort keep us from moving forward!  This is the day, this is the time. Let’s step out into the unknown.

It might be uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean it will be painful.

Let’s start dancing in the rain. Splashing in the waterfalls. Refusing to just settle for the pavement.

Psalm 37:23 The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him

 

 

 

Resources to encourage:

• The Art of Rest: Faith To Hit Pause In A World That Never Stops
• Peace with the Psalms: 40 Readings to Relax Your Mind and Calm Your Heart
• Find Peace: A 40-day Devotional Journey For Moms
• The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You (ps, I am an HSP, are you?)
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