As we began our first hike up the mountain it was one of the
more enjoyable things I’ve ever done in my life. Even though I am “out of shape” for this type
of activity it was still enjoyable. The
fact that Mary and I could hike up and down the path that was set out for us
and enjoy all that God had to offer us in that place was amazing. All the Pine trees and Aspens and underbrush were
so beautiful. Even though we did not
know the proper name of anything we saw we still enjoyed the scenery. As we walked along the way we kept are eyes
on Longs Peak way off in the distance. We
noticed the rays of sunshine piercing through the trees. We could hear chipmunks and squires along
with different birds chirping in the trees and bush. It had been years since we were in mountains
and we had never taken the time to hike up the mountain side. All that we saw
and heard amazed us and lifted our spirits.
As we walked along the way we were taking our time. The first reason for taking our time was to
pace ourselves so we could reach our destination. Neither one of us were used to this type of
activity so the slower pace seemed to be a wise approach to take. The second reason for taking our time was to
enjoy each moment along the way and take as many pictures as possible. It seemed as if the opportunities to take a
picture came along continually as we took picture after picture. The beauty of God’s creation compelled us to
capture as much of the journey on “film” as possible.
As we walked along the way I began to notice that there were
at least two different types of people on the mountain that day. The first type were the people like me who
were soaking it all in and enjoying every moment and every step. We were the people who were amazed by
everything that surrounded us and we were thankful for the opportunity and privilege
to be on the mountain. The second type of
person out there on the mountain was the “hikers”. These were the people who zipped right passed
everyone on the trail. They seemed to be
on a mission to get to their destination as quickly as possible. They did not stop along the way to take a
picture or video. They did not pause to
enjoy a flower or chipmunk. They did not
notice the sun piercing through the trees.
They each pressed on up the mountain at a rapid pace. They had all the right equipment and plenty
of water and supplies. They were hikers.
As we walked along the way it occurred to me that the
mountain calls out to people differently.
Some are there to enjoy the scenery and take a lot of pictures. Others are there because their parents were
dragging them up the mountain. And still others were there for the exercise and
for the adventure of climbing a mountain the standing on the summit and
declaring to all those around, “I did it!”
Some people on the mountain are all about the hike and others are all
about the journey.
As someone who enjoyed the journey I wondered about the “hikers”. I wondered if they noticed the flowers,
trees, wildlife and amazing blessing of being in the middle of God’s
mountain. I am also sure that the “hikers”
wondered about me. I am sure they
wondered if we would ever make it up the mountain. They may have wondered why we were stopping
so often to take pictures. They may have
wondered why someone would try to hike up a mountain without all the
appropriate equipment and supplies. Or
maybe the “hikers” were in such a hurry to get to the top that they did not
even notice those of us who are taking our time and enjoying the journey as we
went along the way.
The Christian walk is a lot like the journey to the top of the
mountain. There are many different kinds
of believers on the path. Some of us
have been hiking all of our life and we know the ropes and we have been up and
down the trails so many times that we no longer notice all the blessings that
come to those who walk with God. Then
there are those who are new to the journey and they are taking it all in for
the first time. With each step they take
along the way they find another blessing from God that comes to all those who
seek and all those who follow. As a long
time “spiritual hiker” I envy those who are new to the mountain of faith. I have almost forgotten what it was like to
walk with God for the first time.
So to those of you who are new to this mountain of faith I
say, take your time, enjoy the walk and seek out all of God’s blessing that
surround you. And to those of you, who
are like me I say, slow down, renew your spirit and refresh your ability to “take
it all in” and enjoy each and every step and each and every blessing you have
as you go along the way. Enjoy the
journey that leads to the summit of eternity and together we will stand and
say, “We made it!”
Love God. Go Love
Others.
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