Faith Walk/Hiking

You might have noticed in my "about me" that I like camping. I really do like it a lot (In a trailer mind you. NOT in a tent). I don't much like the preparing though. Organizational skills are not one of my strengths. Still, i've gotten pretty good at the planning and packing over our family's 20+ years of experiencing the "great out open doors", as one of the kids used to call it. And now with our upgraded trailer I like it all the more. I begin my process of 'nesting' the minute we get the trailer unhitched and perfectly positioned for as much privacy as the site will allow. We're not snobby campers, but we like to create a little home away from home atmosphere...that's where my nesting comes in to play.
Other things I like about camping are the lazy days with no schedule (unless we chose it), the sunshine (we seek it out on the eastern side of the state), camp fires, no phone, being up close and personal with the water(always water), biking, a captive family, taking walks. Notice I did not mention hiking in my list of things I like to do. That was very purposeful. I DO NOT ENJOY HIKING. Here's what hiking means to me. PAIN! Pure and simple. I've done it. I've succeeded at it. But really, I didn't like the "doing". My personality says, "when the going gets tough, STOP! I'm not proud of that. It's one of those changes that i'm working on.

Now after painting that rather negative view of hiking, why in the world do I equate it to my faith walk? Because, both can be very painful. Can you relate?

I've been a Christian for about 48 years. I've undergone many changes in my relationship with Jesus. The most painful ones have brought about the best change. That being, a deeper level of Trust in my God. Moving from 'believing' in him, to whole heartedly 'believing' him. I don't know how many times a day I say, "I trust you". It's become like a montra.

So ya, a faith walk could really be called a faith hike. The steps can be slow and painful and might include switch backs and hills (i hate hills). But the view at the end of your destination can take your breath away. Change is good.