Trailblazing Through Life

I recently heard a comment that made me laugh out loud. A woman exclaimed, "I've never understood what people see in hiking. It's just walking where the ground doesn't cooperate." Take it from an experienced hiker; she's not far off. As someone who has had my fair share of tumbles on the trail, I can testify the ground isn't particularly cooperative.

So often, we refer to our spiritual journey as a Christian walk, but after examining this woman's statement, I think it would better be described as a Christian hike. After all, seldom does the ground cooperate. Nope, just like a hiking trail, the road along our spiritual journey consists of the three "Rs." No, I'm not talking about reading, writing, and arithmetic. I'm referring to rocks, roots, and ruts.

Though three very different elements, the three Rs each present the same hazard: they trip us up. They cause us to stumble. Sometimes, they leave us facedown in the mud. Whether we stub our toes or twist our ankles, the rocks, roots, and ruts of life seek to hinder us from completing our journey. Sometimes they're obvious, but often they're hidden. We don't see them coming until our progress is slowed or halted because of a stumble or injury.

The more I thought about this, the more I wondered Why do I enjoy hiking? It's certainly not because of the three Rs. So, what makes me willing to contend with the rocks, roots, and ruts?

Honestly, it's the things I discover along the way. I've seen unique plants I would never have seen from the comfort of my living room. I've seen animals I wouldn't have encountered elsewhere. I've witnessed views that have taken my breath away and breathed air so fresh and sweet as if it were sent down from Heaven. I've discovered facts about my husband as we've walked and talked together. I've uncovered truths about myself as I prayed and meditated amid the beauty of nature. I've sat beside babbling brooks and experienced peace I never imagined possible. And best of all, I've communed with my Lord in such closeness that I felt He was literally walking beside me.

Hiking offers me something I haven't found anywhere else. In fact, it offers me many things. That's why I'm willing to contend with the rocks, roots, and ruts. I know it's just part of the process. And while I may not enjoy the three Rs, I'd rather go hiking with them than not go hiking at all. I don't want to let the trail's worries deprive me of its joy.

The Christian hike is the same way. Yes, some choose to stay away. They decide they don't want to deal with the rocks, roots, and ruts of the spiritual journey. But in doing so, they're depriving themselves of the joy. While their lives will still be full of difficulty and trials, they'll never know the peace of walking hand in hand with Jesus. They may think they're walking a smoother road, but they're walking it alone. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather hike this trail with Jesus than walk it alone. He can handle the rocks, roots, and ruts, so I need not be afraid.

Friend, please don't let the three Rs keep you from enjoying your journey. The trail you're on may be difficult, but I promise you, it's worth it. There is beauty there. There is joy and peace. There is love and communion. Just keep hiking with your Guide. He'll get you where you need to be, and if you ask Him, He'll even help you find joy in the journey.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. - Psalm 84:11