Steps

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105, KJV)

The photo that I have posted today is a bit of an artistic departure for me but as I worked with it in editing the thoughts that came to me as I recalled this part of the trail through the Hoh Rainforest reminded me of Psalm 119:105. If there is anything that backpacking teaches us as a lesson in life it is to simply take the next step. Even when the trail gets long or as I am attempting to illustrate with this photo, sometimes it is not even clear exactly what is up ahead. For some of this trip we found portions of the trail that were not well marked as we tried to find our way across and then back across a stream where the trail seemed to simply end unexpectedly. On one day our steps were quite literally limited by darkness and the trail was only illuminated by the distance of headlamps as we returned to camp well after dark.

When the trail gets rocky, take the next step. When the hill seems to steep to continue climbing, take the next step. When tree roots cause your feet to stumble and you fall, get up and then take the next step. When you have run out of water and are searching for the next refreshing stream, take the next step. When it pours rain and the trail is thick with mud, take the next step. The one option that you never get in backpacking is to quit because you have no options but walking to find your way back to the trailhead. No matter how tired you are or how sore your legs and feet get, keep walking down the path because your body can always go further than your mind thinks is possible.

Sometimes in life, as with this photo, the path ahead is not clear at all and we have to move forward in faith. God provides just enough light to us through His word that we can see far enough ahead to take another step. If it is dark, He provides light on the path but it may be only for a short distance. If life gets rocky and obstacles threaten, He will give just enough to help us navigate. If we do happen to fall, He will be there to help us get up again. We are called to simply trust Him in faith and take the next step.

I don’t know who may be reading this today that is facing a difficult portion of their own trail of life. As I write this I don’t even know if anyone will ever read it but just like hiking a trail I will keep moving forward on my own path and perhaps this small blog will serve as a trail marker for someone else who comes across what I have written and it will provide encouragement and direction. Perhaps that someone is you and if you have found this to be encouraging in your walk please pass it along to someone you know that could benefit.

God bless you in your walk today. As you hike your trail of life don’t forget to take some pictures along the way!