Saturday, February 27, 2010

Trails

1-2835-End-of-Natchez-Trace-Parkway

It's Saturday morning. The sun is shining. The temperature outside is mildly cool and fresh feeling. Instead of going to the gym to exercise, how about a hike?

We drive about 15 minutes up the road to the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway. Pulling our car into the parking lot near the Garrison Creek trail, we venture out. There are signs for a trail pointing to a "scenic overlook". That sounds perfect.

As we hike up the mountain, we notice that the trail winds around trees and rocks and steep inclines. Though we can clearly see the overlook straight ahead, the path curves around in such a way that, at times, we are actually going the opposite direction of our destination.

Sounds like life, doesn't it? And when you look through spiritual eyes, it is a true picture of God, who sometimes leads us down pathways we don't quite understand or we might not blaze out for ourselves, if we were in charge.

original-trace-mississippi

There were several more observations during our time at Garrison Creek. And as you read these, don't miss the parallels of one morning hike to our individual lifelong journeys . . .

  • Sometimes the trail is steep. It takes more energy and breath to climb. At times, we may need to stop and rest for a moment or two before we continue on.
  • Sometimes the trail is bumpy. There are branches and rocks and tree roots that we have to step over or walk on top of. It's easy to stumble if you're not careful.
  • Sometimes the trail is smooth. This is the time you can really relax and enjoy the hike. Could it be smooth because of the many others who have walked this trail before?
  • Sometimes the trail is downhill. If you're not careful, you'll get to going too fast and stumble when you least expect it.
  • Always, the trail needs to be a place where we look around us and enjoy the scenery, rather than just staring at our feet with every step. Even with the dormancy of the foliage this time of the year, the Tennessee countryside is beautiful to behold.
We climbed the mountain, stopped to admire the gorgeous view, and headed back down again. It was exhilarating and a great way to spend part of our morning. Our bodies, minds, and spirits were refreshed. We'll go back to Garrison Creek another time ~ I'm sure of it. And maybe we'll take another trail.

1 comment:

  1. I couldn't be happier to discover your blog! More than any other person, you have taught me how to see God at work in EVERYTHING and every part of my day. I am so excited to keep up with you and what God is doing in your lives through your blog.

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