Being Prepared

Being Prepared

On the second day of our adventure in the Rocky Mountain National Park we decided to drive up to a place called Bear Lake.  Bear Lake is a very popular destination inside the park so we woke up early so we could arrive in time to find a parking place.  As it turned out everyone else going to Bear Lake had the exact same idea.  By the time we arrived there were only three or four parking places left and we felt fortunate to be able to have a place to park the car.

In preparation of our adventure we prepared a simple lunch consisting of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and two 20 ounce bottles of water.  The only thing we had to put our lunch in was a plastic bag from WalMart. As we began our journey I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Bear Lake was just about fifty yards from the parking lot.  This was going to be a piece of cake or at least a PB&J sandwich.  The lake was beautiful.  It was another breath taking sight inside one of the most beautiful places on the planet.  The lake is in the shape of a bear’s paw and thus the name Bear Lake.  The hike around the lake was amazing.  I would take a picture, walk a few yards and stop again to take another picture.  I may have well over a hundred pictures of just the scenery around Bear Lake.

The hike around the lake was fairly easy and very much worth the drive.  Our plan had been to walk around the lake enjoy the morning and eat our lunch by the lake.  That was a wonderful plan, but we over heard a gentleman telling a family about the other destinations to hike to from Bear Lake.  One place was called Alberta Falls and it was “only” a 1 mile hike that was “fairly easy”.   The man said it was one of the most beautiful waterfalls he had ever seen.  We were sold and we were going.  We were not prepared to go, but we went.  With two 20 ounce bottles of water and two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in a WalMart bag in our possession we began our trek up the mountain to see Alberta Falls. 

As we started up the trail I began to notice how well prepared everyone else was for hiking up a mountain.  Most of the hikers had hiking shoes, a walking stick or ski poles, a back pack no doubt full of everything you need for a day hiking in the mountains.  I’m sure they had energy snacks, mosquito spray, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water and most likely a small first aid kit.  Mary and I had a Walmart sack with two sandwiches and two small water bottles.  We were not prepared for the journey ahead, but we pressed on toward the Falls.  The hike was more difficult than we understood it to be and I am convinced that a mile on a mountain trail is not an actual mile.  We would hike up hill for awhile then downhill for awhile.  What a blessing it is to hike downhill. 

When we arrived to Alberta Falls it was well worth the effort.  It was an amazing sight.  I had never seen anything like that before in my life.  We were not prepared for the journey in anyway, but the destination was worth every step and every struggle.  As it turned out, we had just enough water and the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches never tasted better.  We were hooked on hiking.  We would spend the rest of our time looking for places to hike to.  There is nothing like being on the mountain and in nature enjoying all that God has created.

In a lot of ways having a daily walk with Jesus is similar to hiking up a mountain.  You may not think you are  prepared for everything that is ahead of you, but you know that your destination is well worth the effort.  You may look around and see other Christ followers along the path who seem to be better prepared for the journey and you may wonder why you don’t have all the blessings and talents or abilities that others have in their journey of faith.  You may even think that life is just not fair and that you have more difficulties and more struggles in your life than everyone else.  You may wonder why God is making you deal with all of the issues you are facing in your life. 

A long the way you and I will have questions about the journey and we may even have doubts about the path we have taken.  You may have doubts as to if you are prepared for what is ahead of you in your life’s journey.  All I can tell you is this…. Keep walking!  Keep putting one foot in front of the other.  Take one step at a time.  You may not feel as if you are prepared for the journey, but know this, Jesus has already walked the path ahead of you and he will not lead you to a place you are not ready for in your life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”  If my wife and I had waiting until we were “ready” to make the hike up the mountain we would have never experienced the blessings of the hike or the destination.

As you go along the way be ready for the blessings that are just up and around the next turn.  What Jesus as in store for you upon your arrival will blow your mind and amaze your spirit.

Love God. Go Love Others.