A challenging hike indeed, but there are no words to describe the amazing view from all sides when we reached the top. It was breathtaking. (Well, it took whatever breath I had remaining, which I assure you wasn’t much.) We rested on the side of a huge rock, drank some water, and ate our snacks, feeling as if we were on top of the world. We were in no hurry to return to the trail, but eventually, we headed back down the mountain.
I expected the hike to the top to be difficult, and I had used nearly every ounce of my energy getting there.
Although steep and exhausting, the path up the mountain was well-traveled and well defined. We had to simply put one foot in front of the other. My biggest mistake was to assume the downside would be less challenging. I was wrong. The path down was just as difficult, but for different reasons.
The hike down the other side of the mountain required watching every rugged step as the path turned into a narrow, ungroomed trail littered with loose rocks, sticks, gravel, and leaves. Every step took thought, requiring complete focus and concentration on the ground directly in front of us. There was no small talk on this side of the mountain. One misstep could be disastrous, and the last thing we needed was to slip, fall, or twist an ankle. The ground was slippery and shifted with each step. It was a balancing act to stay on our feet, and with it came the fear of losing our footing as the pebbles rolled under our boots.
Fighting the gravity pull down the mountain went from difficult to painful. My ankles, legs, and hips were already weak and shaky. The steep downgrade was such that my toes were now hitting the inside of my boot. With each step, my body was screaming, “enough!” But what choice did I have but to put one foot in front of the other?
I knew the very last part of the path joined a fire road. I kept looking for that fire road with anticipation around every curve. I was sure when we reached it I would get some relief. I assumed getting my feet on the gravel road, although still a reasonably steep downgrade, would be hugely helpful to ease some of the pain in my body. But to my surprise and disappointment, once we set foot on the fire road, the relief simply did not come. As there was no longer the need to be ultra-focused on where my feet were going, my brain now zoomed in on every ache and pain I was experiencing.
For the last half mile, my knees hurt so badly I joked that my knees felt as if they were going to blow right off my legs. The desire to quit with only a half-mile left was intense. I secretly hoped someone would magically appear in one of those cute little golf carts and ask us if we would like a lift to our car in the parking lot. Anything would have worked for me actually, a horse, donkey, camel… whatever. It seems for me, the most challenging part of that hike was the last section, which should have been the easiest.
About a week or so later, as the physical pain subsided, there I was with a pretty incredible feeling of accomplishment and a pretty spectacular lesson learned. I realized although I was up for the challenge, I didn’t know what I was actually getting myself into. I was sure the uphill battle would be difficult, but I had very much underestimated the downhill side. I simply was not prepared.
As Christians, we can be most vulnerable when we push the cruise control button. Perhaps we get complacent after we’ve overcome a big obstacle. I understand we get tired. I know, I get tired. Perhaps we’re humming along and get blindsided with a “Whoa. I didn’t see that one coming” situation. Whatever the case, Isaiah 40:29 tells us that God gives power to the faint and increases our strength.
In Philippians, Paul says, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
We are truly capable of doing much more than we realize. We are encouraged to keep moving forward. It’s our responsibility to be vigilant, watchful, and prepared. So my friends, train as an Iron Man and finish the race strong.
Wishing you joy and peace,
Lorrie
“The road is long, with many a winding turn, that leads us to who knows where.” Bobby Scott
Such a good analogy!
Especially love the quotes:
“As Christians, we can be most vulnerable when we push the cruise control button. “
Thank you Ava.
Great message Lorrie. The road may be tough at times, but we can find comfort in knowing we are not alone. God is always with us.
Thanks my friend.
Great post. So easy to read and I felt like I was right there with you. Our Christian walk can be much the same, rough in spots and not sure where the path is going next. But God wants us to just put one foot in front of the other as we follow Him. Thanks
Thanks Yvonne.
Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. It’s an encouragement to me as I embark on new trails in this season of my life 🙂
It’s my privilege Lisa. Blessings to you!
There are all sorts of analogies from that sort of situation! I bet that after you’d finished the downhill slope, you were inspired, not only to write this post, but with brilliant insights into all sorts of challenges and what happens when we have expectations. This is a great description of an experience I’ve also shared on the side of a mountain! The downhill is harder than the uphill by far, plus you’re no longer fresh and rested on the downhill slope.
Exactly. The experience is relatable to so many other uphill and downhill situations in our lives. Thanks for the comments Melinda.
So good!! I learn incredible faith lessons when I go hiking.
Absolutely. There are lessons all around us for sure. Thanks for the comments Jessica.
I am trying to finish the race strong! Thanks for the inspiration.
Lisa, it’s my privilege. Keep your eye on the goal. Thanks for the comment.
Advice I read somewhere: never let yourself get too tired or too hungry. But it happens sometimes. Letting ourselves rest is so important. And knowing when to push forward in spite of the challenges is too. Great post!
Yes, great advice. I assumed because it was such a popular hike it wouldn’t be that hard. Even though challenging, I’m so happy I did it. Thanks for the comments.
Lorrie, I have been on similar hikes that left me totally depleted by the end. You captured the experience so vividly. And I love the connections to our spiritual journeys. Wow, I have been jolted awake in times of cruise control. May we ever watchful, lamps filled with the oil of Christ’s Sprit and Word. He alone is our true strength.
Thanks for the comments Melissa. Yes, may we be ever watchful. Blessings!
Powerful analogy, Lorrie. I’m pleasantly surprised for a part 2 of this hike. Love this: “As Christians, we can be most vulnerable when we push the cruise control button. Perhaps we get complacent after we’ve overcome a big obstacle.”
Such a good analogy. Thanks for writing this article.
Thanks for the comment June. It’s my priviledge.
I enjoyed reading about your experiences on this hike. I could relate to much of it. Thank you for sharing and for the lessons. I’m grateful for God’s strength.
I have gone on a similar hike with many of the same thoughts and feelings you had. Halfway up I almost quit and returned back from where I started. Yet, I decided to finish the climb. So glad I did. But as you said, it was hard, and even harder coming back down the mountain. I love your insight on our spiritual journey. Likewise, it can be just as difficult. I’m experiencing this right now in my life, so your article was timely! Thank you! 🙂