Hiking Trails

I am the way,
the truth and the life…

John 14:6

Having slid, stumbled and side stepped down a steep embankment we came to a stop at two paths leading in opposite directions. Not sure which direction to take we waited until an approaching hiker came nearer. “Which path takes us back to town?” we asked. Pausing briefly he replied and pointed, “I dunno. There’s the town.”

His guidance wasn’t much help. We could see where we wanted to be we just didn’t know how to get there. So, choosing a path we continued our slide downhill finally reaching our destination.

Life for the Jesus follower is much like hiking on a mountain trail. A narrow path guides the way but it comes with rocks, roots, climbing on all fours ascents and sliding descents. There are branch slaps and bloody scrapes but when reaching the top the vistas are spectacular. There are no assurances of what will happen, even if you’ve taken the same hike several times. There is always an element of risk even losing one’s way.

Just wanting to hike doesn’t get you to the vistas. You have to know the path that will get you there. This is also the first step for the Jesus follower. In order to get anywhere in faith we have to learn and know the trails that will get us to where we want to be. Seeing the destination won’t be enough. The only choice is getting on the trail and hiking. This is what moves us forward to the One who not only knows the way but is the Way.

Jesus, I want to hike
and see the vistas you
have for me. Thank you for
being my Trail Guide.
Help me to be a good student--
seeing where I should be
and learning how to get there.
Amen.