Saturday I decided to take myself on a hike. Because I don’t often do things completely alone, I chose to go on a trail I had previously explored. I estimated my journey would take an hour to reach the falls. I had it all planned out; one hour there, 20 minutes for a snack, and a one hour hike back to be in the car and home by 2pm. (I’m a J, can’t you tell! 
)
A quarter of the way along the path was a giant tree with a heart shaped hole. I stopped briefly to observe the unnatural shape and snap a quick pic. I kept walking and barely noticed the beautiful foliage around me.
I felt the Lord say…
“What’s the rush? It’s not about the destination. Enjoy the journey.”
With that I quickly stopped and took in the serene forest landscape surrounding me. A moss covered tree had fallen next to the path I traveled on. It’s lush green color looked like a cozy blanket that had been carefully draped over the log. The river to my left traveled with me most of the hike with water flowing down the steep incline. Here and there pools gathered forming miniature versions of what I hoped to see at the end of the trail.
Upon arrival at “The Falls” I found myself quite disappointed. They weren’t nearly as beautiful as the waters leading up to my desired destination. It wasn’t nearly as peaceful as I imagined. The area was littered with people, dogs off leashes and a business that the trail didn’t seem to have. I tried to enjoy the granola bar and apple I had packed for the journey. Taking a few swigs from my water bottle before the return, I contemplated what the Lord had said.
Drowning out the noise around me I packed my things and headed back down the trail. Just over the first hill, I noticed it was peaceful again, I could hear myself think and the quiet voice of the Father, “I love you.” As I heard the voice I happened to glance down at the path. There at my feet lay a small acorn with it’s shell cracked in half. The center of it was shaped like a heart. This was the second time I felt the Lord give me a tangible sign of His love for me.
The rest of the journey was slow. I took in the breeze as it gently blew in the trees. The sound of the babbling brook as it ran next to me played in the background as birds chirped overhead. The sun’s rays shone through the trees and I knew this was what He had for me all along. It was a beautiful reminder to stop and smell the roses, and just Enjoy the Journey.
Saturday Hike to Raven Cliff Falls
