This past year I have been hiking as a form of retreat and exercise. It has been good for my body and soul. I have learned some valuable lessons about my walk with the Lord while on these literal walks. Every walk has been an opportunity for the Lord to share some insight into my spiritual journey.

The hikes started small, and I learned small, simple lessons. In time, the hikes grew in length. My insights mirrored the hikes. I’m learning little things on small hikes, bigger things on long hikes. I have begun learning some lessons that I am still working on, and I can’t see the end of the trail. It will take determination, strength, and training to get to the end. It takes perseverance to continue and to finish the journey well.

My first hike wasn’t just short; it was relatively flat compared to later hikes. In preparation for a big adventure, I had to hike steeper peaks. This increase in intensity taught me different lessons than I had learned from long hikes. They also taught me different lessons about my relationship with God. Through discipline and the power of the Holy Spirit, I gained knowledge about some issues that have caused intense emotion and introspection, pushing me to new heights in my walk with the Lord.

My hiking adventure began with my first hike that was 2 miles long. I was so proud of myself when I completed that hike. Two miles sounded like a long walk for me at the beginning. The last hike I did was 24 miles. I hiked Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon. It took time and effort to go from a two-mile hiker to a 24-mile, cross the Grand Canyon, super excited hiker. It was not easy, but it was worth it.

I realize that in many areas of my spiritual life, I have no discipline. I walk 2 miles with Jesus, and I’m proud of myself. Two miles may seem far because I haven’t disciplined myself and trained. I haven’t gone to the steep and difficult places very often. I have little strength. I do not know what I am capable of doing or where I am capable of going with the Lord because I haven’t tried.

I had to do some training to conquer the Grand Canyon. You may not believe it, but I only trained for six months. It only took six months, and I was ready and able to enjoy a remarkable adventure. Conquering the Canyon has encouraged me to discipline myself to learn the lessons that God is teaching me as we hike together through the mountains and valleys of life.

I do not know where this trail leads. But I know there is an adventure in traveling it, and I know I will be super excited when I reach the end. “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth” (Psalm 86:11, ESV)

I have some lessons to share so there will be more hiking blogs coming shortly.