For 2021, I set the goal of doing the number of hikes per year that matched my age. So for 2021 the goal was 48 hikes. For 2021, I only did 43 hikes. At first glance it would seem that I missed my goal.
In addition to the number of hikes I seek to continue to grow in my relationship with God as God and I meet. 2021 was definitely a year of growth. I learned a lot about my past. I learned about why I saw the world the way I did. And as much as I wanted to just BE with God while I was hiking, the hiking itself became an act of DOING. Accomplishing the goal of 48 hikes became the priority instead of just BEING with God out in his creation and enjoying the time with him and Spring. I am thankful for 2021 and the many opportunities I had to experience God's creation, spend time with Spring, and also just BE with God.
This picture is from one of our favorite campsites outside of Mt. Hood. Spring and I went camping several times during the summer. If you are familar with the Pacific Northwest, you know that the summer is beautiful. Yes, we could have gone hiking these weekends and I would have met my goal of 48. However, the time we shared together just hanging at the campsite, sitting by the river or sitting by the fire was priceless and amazing. Time at this campsite continued to help me practice Psalms 46:10a - He says, Be still, and know that I am God."
My first trip to Yosemite in 2009 birthed my love for the west and hiking in areas like Yosemite. This was the trip that I discovered the outdoors is where I connect with God the most. It is where I am most relaxed and my soul is most open to his voice.
Twelve years later, I had the opportunity to share the beauty of Yosemite and the place that means so much to me to Spring. The time we enjoyed together and exploring Yosemite was beyond what words can describe.
Being back in Yosemite also meant that God had me revisit some things from my past, some things that I needed to address. Through some of this time of BEING with God in Yosemite, he revealed to me that he really was preparing me during my 4 trips to Yosemite, 2009 - 2012. He was preparing me during those trips for 4 of the hardest years of my life. God reminded me that he is continuing to work in my life. He continues to prepate for what lies ahead. For that I am forever thankful.
The beauty of the Oregon coast from the top of God's Thumb. Spring and I hiked this trail on our anniversary trip to the coast. This was a rather intense hike that we did and we felt so good about reaching the top.
God once again revealed some things to me during this hike. He revealed how I have much to work on when it comes to looking too far ahead. When hiking uphill, if you continue to look at where you are headed and how steep the trail is you can start to feel more tired and get more frustrated about how far you need to go. If you just focus on the bit of trail ahead of you and taking one step at a time, you still feel the climb but not as much mentally. I believe the same is true in our walk with God. If we are continually worried about the future and how far we have to go, we will grow tired. But if we take that one step at a time that God is asking us to take, we don't get as tired, we don't miss out on what is right in front of us, and we can more easily just BE with him. In Matthew 6:33-34, Jesus says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. each day has enough trouble of its own."
2022 has just started. I am looking forward to getting out in God's creation, whether it is hiking, camping, or just sitting by a stream. I am excited to see the lessons God has in store from his creation. What about you?
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