Mountain Goats…
Mountain Goats…
This past week was a blessing for my family. We were able to get some time away and have some new experiences to add to our memories. Some were good, some were not so good, but they were all part of a trip like we haven’t done before.
We decided to go to a few new places and do some new things vs going to the tried-and-true destinations we have typically gone to. One thing we ended up doing, inadvertently at first, was hiking. To set the story up, we are not hikers. We both have our current and old injuries that hinder our desire to hike. It all started with wanting to see a waterfall that was supposed to be an easy, mostly flat ¾ mile path. Well, it sure started that way and, on the way, back we ended up on the wrong trail. We ended up on a 2-mile trail that was rated “moderate” by someone who is obviously much more prepared for hiking. Our son was in crocs, we were in tennis shoes, brought one bottle of water each and it was 103 degrees that day. We were miserable and at the end dead tired, but at the same time, I felt like I conquered something. I was emboldened by the knowledge that I can still accomplish things outside of what I can picture myself doing physically.
Fast forward a few days later. We spent the other days riding bikes and fishing basically saying we aren’t going to hike again. The idea came back to go hiking again since we were in a new place and wanted to see some new things. We studied the map and pamphlet and even called the office to get recommendations. We chose the recommended trail, that didn’t have a great description, and wouldn’t you know it, it was another 2 mile “moderate” trail. This time we had better shoes, and more water. The first half was almost a steady climb up a rocky hill. Again, we were pushed past where we thought we would be able to do. My wife even made the comment that the trail was not made for us but instead made for Goats! We were rewarded with beautiful views of the river, rapids, and a waterfall. I was able to take a bunch of cool photos, and we ended up getting in the cold water after completing the trail.
I learned a few things that day. Other than my knee hurting, I really enjoyed hiking that trail. I also learned that I could do a lot more than my mind allows me to do. I have used my knee pain to keep me from doing the things I truly want to do for years. I have allowed myself to be the victim when it comes to doing things physically. I have placed limits on myself that otherwise shouldn’t be there. This past week showed me that I can deal with pain to experience the beautiful things there are for us in this world.
That is not unlike a bunch of the stories in the bible. The Israelites suffered for years before ending up in the promised land. Abraham had to make hard choices for things to work out as God intended. Paul was imprisoned multiple times. The list goes on. Nothing in our lives is supposed to come easy. It all takes effort and perseverance. We are not promised an easy road. Even when choosing the right road, our troubles will still follow us for a while.
This week, be a mountain goat. Go past the roadblocks you place for yourself in your life. You will surprise yourself with what you are capable of if you allow yourself to surpass your own limits.
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.