Today's hike was the North Fork Clackmas River and Fall Creek Hike. The reward at the end of this hike was supposed to be a waterfall. My desire, what I wanted, at the start of this hike was to get to the waterfall. It looked incredible from the pictures that I saw online.
The trail was difficult at times because of the mud and many ups and downs. I knew that it would be worth it with the falls at the end. The views were also very nice along the way. Along the way, God and I did business with my tendency to over process situations. For many situations, especially those dealing with those close to me, I tend to think through every possible scenario I can think of. This isn't the first time God has worked on this part of my life. This time he continued to point out to me that I needed to focus more on being thankful and showing gratitude. It started with being thankful for the beauty around me at the time on the trail even though the trail was difficult at times.
Eventually, I made it to a point in the trail with the view of what you see in the above picture. There was another 1/2 mile to go to the falls. I really wanted to get there. But at this point, the trail was lost. I tried going the way that was shown on the map. It was not possible. I tried another way but the water was too high from the recent rains. I really, really, wanted to get to the waterfall. I even tried a way that a fellow hiker told me that he tried but it was a dead end. I continued to look and look for a way. I knew there had to be a way to get to my desired destination. I began to get frustrated.
Then I paused. I took a deep breath. And it hit me. Isn't this the way it goes in our walk with God sometimes? There is something we want and we look for ways to get it. But God, for a reason we may not know at the time, is saying "No" or "Not at this time". How do you respond? If you are like me, sometimes you keep pushing forward, determined to may a way. At this point, I felt God telling me that I needed to be grateful for the beauty I had seen today. I guess that is why God was prompting me to focus on gratitude during the first part of the hike. There will be a time to see those falls, but not today. There are also some things in my life right now that I want to do. I mean, I really, really want to do. So, I continue even now to sit with those things, sit with those decisions, and ask God if he is wanting me to wait. He could be saying, "Not yet."
So how do you respond when the answer you have been seeking is "No" or "Not yet"? Do you continue to show gratitude towards God and his many blessings? Do you continue to trust that he does know what is best for you?
I believe there was another reason why I didn't make it to the falls today. If I would have made it to the falls, that would have definitely taken much more time. As it turned out, I got back to the trailhead earlier than expected. The trailhead was along the Clackamas River and since I got back earlier than expected I went along the river a bit to soak in its beauty and power. At that spot was a guy that seemed like he needed a friend, to be honest. We talked for a while, about the beauty of the area, how the fire had devasted parts of it, and so on. I am not sure what was going on in his life, God does, but it seems like he walked away encouraged, and honestly, so did I. If I would have made it to the falls today, this moment would have been lost.
The Not Yets are hard. But I was challenged today and I challenge you as well - Trust the Not Yet.
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