What I Learned From Hiking In Colorado
My plane had just landed, and I was already quoting lines from ‘Dumb and Dumber.’ I was in Colorado and ready to explore. Rocky Mountain National Park was at the top of my list of things to do. When I arrived at the park, I had my hike to Sky Pond all mapped out and was ready to go.
The hike was not terribly strenuous in the beginning and the trail was pretty even. As I trekked on, the trail became rockier (“We’re in the Rockies!”) and the hike increased in difficulty. I had to keep my head down and watch my steps, so I would not trip up or fall on the rocks or tree roots throughout the trail. Obstacles that could cause a slip up seemed to be in the trail every few steps.
As I hiked, I passed most people on the trail with their eyes on the ground watching their step also. Now this made sense; we did not want to fall. I realized God was talking to me by using us as we walked on that trail with our eyes to the ground. We were solely focused on watching our step and getting to our destination. We might look up every once in a while and have a gorgeous view in our sights, but then we would keep on trucking, focusing on the few steps in front of us.
Does this not sound a lot like life? We keep our heads down, only glancing to Heaven every now and then. We get frustrated because we cannot see the destination, so we grumble and complain about the current state of the “hike” we are in. The first few times I read about the Israelites on their journey out of Egypt, I thought, “What a bunch of ungrateful people. God is showing them miracles and giving them everything they ask!” But as I later learned, I am just like the Israelites. I sometimes forget, and let myself grumble; even though God has blessed me beyond measure.
After trudging through the snow and climbing up the face of a waterfall, I had reached the top. As I gazed across the mountains, all I could do was thank God for his beauty and glory: “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9)
We get so caught up. Caught up in the mundane. Caught up in unnecessary drama of everyday living. Caught up in how one person responded, or lack thereof, to something we said. I desire to be more heavenly minded. Paul instructs us to set our hearts on things above.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Being heavenly minded also means I want and desire what God does. We pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Take a breath. Look up, child. God wants to shine down His majesty for you to see, but you will miss it if you do not look for Him.
Have you been looking to God in your life lately?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney can be described by the opening lyrics of a few Tom Petty songs. She's a good girl who grew up in a small Indiana town who loves her mama, Jesus, and America too. She practices medicine as a physician assistant at an urgent care. Whitney is a music enthusiast and leads worship at her church. She has a heart for people, and wants to help young girls and women find their worth in Christ rather than what the world says of them. Whitney loves a good dad joke, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, Southern manners, working on her fitness, attempting Pinterest crafts, and cheering on Indiana University basketball.