I went on a beautiful, quiet, out-of-the-way hike yesterday. While enjoying the quiet, I began reminiscing about past hikes. I thought about a challenging hike. Many years ago, I was with a group, and we did a backpacking trip into the Havasupai Falls.
The particular hike that was on my mind was the hike out of Havasupai. After enjoying a few days on a backpacking trip in a magical setting, we were hiking out. The trip was so slow. We were a large group with many children. It was 8 miles out, and we got a late start. The group was tired after three days of playing and camping. And it was a scorching day. Everyone was very thirsty and drinking a lot.
At the base of the switchbacks, the last stretch of the hike, we ran out of water. Nobody in the group had any water left. The switchbacks were in full sun. We were thirsty and had nothing to quench that thirst. The group’s men decided to head up without us. The women and children stayed behind in a somewhat shady spot.
It took them a while. When they came back, they brought water! That is what everyone wanted. But they also came with more than enough flavored liquids, snacks, and a mule.
Our most critical need was quenching our thirst. The men didn’t just provide for our dehydration. They blessed us abundantly with the added supplies. They brought water, which satisfied our thirst. The juice and Powerade were not necessary, but they gave us enjoyment. They brought snacks to provide nourishment. The mule carried an injured woman and a small child to the top. Then, the men took as many packs as they could lug up the hill for everyone else. Most of us hiked up with no backpack or a much lighter load.
It was one of those moments in my life that I will never forget. We were in desperate need, and those who loved us not only provided what was essential but abundantly blessed us.
As I contemplated this further, I realized that that is precisely what Jesus did for us. He not only provided for our spiritual thirst, but he also provided us with blessings beyond measure. Jesus gave us flavor, strength, and comfort. He carries our load so that the struggles of life can be less weighty as we allow him to take them. We still must get up the hill. We may have to hike the switchbacks, but it is easier when we are nourished, hydrated, and carrying a light load. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful to God that I don’t have to get out of the canyons of life or hike the switchbacks alone.

“I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:1-3