the trail of life

Some times, well lots of times, 

ok 

most of the time.

I need to get outside.

My kids need it too.

So on this day we hit the trails.

There's so much I don't take the time to write.

Thoughts.  Feelings. Ponderings.

My mind is always working.

It's both a blessing and a curse.

But so often I think in metaphors.

And this trail.

It's a lot like life.

There are ups and downs.

Sometimes it's nice to be alone.

And sometimes it's fun to be together.

Sometimes it's your turn to lead, to teach, to blaze the open trail.

And sometimes it's your turn to follow.  

To learn.

And sometimes you just need to take a rest.

Even dig your heels in awhile.

And stay.

When you're thirsty, drink.

Both literally and spiritually.

Even pour that refreshment right over you.

Soak it all in.

And once you've rested awhile, 

when you know it's time.

You get up and you start climbing again.

Making it to the top,

it's always worth it.

But the high of the mountain top, 

it is never meant to last forever.

And it's time to head back down.

Sometimes it's slippery.

Sometimes it's hard.

It helps to think positively.

Tell yourself you are strong.

You are brave.

You are courageous.

You can do this.

And sometimes when it gets too hard.

Friends are there to help.

To hold you through tough times.

And see you through to the finish line.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded 

by such a great cloud of witnesses, 

let us throw off everything that hinders 

and the sin that so easily entangles.  

And let us run with perseverance 

the race marked out for us, 

fixing our eyes on Jesus, 

the pioneer and perfecter of our faith."

Hebrews 12:1-2