It was one of the best summers of my life.
Throughout the summer, I had the opportunity to lead hikes for the young women who were in attendance. The hikes differed on distance, intensity, and destination. Some hikes were five miles uphill, some hikes were downhill, and some hikes were a stroll around a lake. My favorite hike was 12-13 miles long and it took an entire day to conquer. I loved the challenge. I loved way it felt to be entirely immersed in nature. Mostly I loved the way it felt to finally reach the destination.
This hike provided more than one challenge.
The trail was not always clear and easy to follow. Sometimes the trail disappeared in a mountain of rocks. And sometimes dangerous situations occurred without warning.
Like this hike, the trail of life is not always clearly marked. There are moments when our trail might end and we are forced to retrace our steps in search for a new trail. There are moments when we have to push ourselves beyond our capabilities. And there are also beautiful moments when we succeed in reaching our goals.
For the last couple of years our family has been pushing towards a goal. A goal that puts stars in our eyes. A goal we considered worthy. Hours upon hours have been invested in this accomplishment.
Just a couple days ago we acknowledged the blessing this goal has been in our life. We admitted the burden this goal has become. We expressed gratitude to our Heavenly Father for making this goal a reality.
The view from this peak is beautiful. The view from this peak is exquisite. The feeling of success after such a climb is joyous. In the moment when our joy is full, we take a look out at our mountain scene. Right next to our beloved peak stands another peak.
In our hearts we know that we can not stay stagnate. In our hearts we know this new peak is our next challenge. Quietly in our heart we acknowledge that we must move on.
Leaving our little peak brings mixed emotions.
Gratitude. Love. Sadness. Loss. Excitement.
Looking back upon our climb, we acknowledge our Father in Heaven who made the climb possible. We notice the extra set footsteps in the dirt next to our own. We recognize the moments in which we were led back to safety. Every moment of happiness and success was a result of His undying love and support.
As we look out at our new peak, we are filled with excitement for this new direction in our lives. We are filled with gratitude for answered prayers. We are filled with love and peace.
Our new destination will not be easy... but it will be worth it.
Truthfully, we are unsure of where to begin.
But we have peace.
Quietly. Prayerfully. Intentionally. Purposefully. Gratefully.
We took our first step today. And it feels amazing.
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