A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to hike a long distance to a waterfall. As we walked, it was also a perfect time to reflect on my journey through this life. Each member of our group felt ready to start, with the right clothes, sunglasses, bug spray, good walking shoes, and sunscreen. We felt quite confident and looked forward to an easy stroll to the sought after waterfall. Our guide was barefoot and knew every inch of the trail by heart - every twist, turn, beauty and danger. We did not. He exhibited a quiet confidence and earned our trust immediately, however we were each quite certain we could make this journey all on our own, thank you very much.
Our guide showed us lovely things along the way, told us what to eat and not eat, touch and not touch, where to step and what to avoid. Every turn lead to a greater understanding of nature in this corner of the world. Sometimes the trail was wide and flat, other times it was quite narrow and dangerously steep. At one point he had to hold us tightly as he stood in the river and we made our way across, trusting that he would not let us go. When the trail was wide and flat it was easy to look around and enjoy nature, however when it became steep and narrow, I concentrated on each step I took. At one point there were some extremely high stairs. With these I found that I needed to climb very slowly and rest in between each one.
Sometimes we were all together, but many times I found myself alone - unable to see anyone ahead or behind me, though I knew they were there. I needed to keep going, knowing that the path lead to where I wanted to be, holding tightly onto a rail at times, and being grateful that I could hear the voice of our guide at different points. The trail ended at a specracular waterfall and we all agreed that it was certainly worth the climb. The main thing is that we were all there together.
Our guide to the waterfall was a kind, knowledgable villager. Our guide in life is Jesus Christ. It's easy to feel very self-confident when our path is flat and easily discernable. However, when the road becomes a challenge, our confidence fades and we quickly look for help. Christ has walked the path we are now on and knows perfectly our challenges and difficulties. But more importantly, He knows the beauty and blessings of this life, and the inexplicable joy we will feel at the end of our journey on this earth. That is, when we all return together, arm in arm, to our heavenly home.
I used to sum up my time on earth as "a low crawl through the barbed wire of life." Now I see it more like my hike to the waterfall.
#wmpicturejoy
"He marked the path and led the way, and every point defines -
To light and life and endless day, where God's full presence shines."
Eliza R. Snow
