Backpacking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the 1990’s as an adult leader with a co-ed group of teen-aged Scouts was not on my radar in previous decades. My husband’s legendary persuasive powers got me to go the first time. It was such an enlightening experience that I made two more treks in succeeding years.
And here is what was so enlightening: Seven more miles to go before reaching the next camp? What choice did I have but to put one sore foot in front of the other and keep on moving? I had to be a good role model for the youth we were leading. But I made it! I succeeded again and again as we spent 10 days and nights in the mountains. And the lessons learned about me and what I can do were fortified in the second and third treks. The lessons learned were both mental and physical.
Isn’t this how life in general works? I know that God is always with me and he surely was a big part of my inspiration for tackling and conquering those difficult mountain miles. Life is full of hills and valleys and rocky trails and God is always there to encourage.
Being persuaded to take on something as arduous as mountain backpacking was one of the smartest things I ever did. Because God was with us every step of the way, I was able to conquer my fears and make this one of the best learning experiences ever.
Genesis 28:15 “Behold I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.”
Thank you, God!
Sylvia Donaldson
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