This has been an interesting trip so far.
To be completely honest, it has not been anything like I imagined. I imagined a nice hiking trip with plenty of time alone with God in His beautiful creation. So far, that is what I've had, but, I was not expecting this journey to be so hard mentally and physically.
I have come to realize that time alone with the Lord can truly be a scary thing. The more quiet I am with Him, the more I hear His voice. Many times though, what He has to say is not what I want to hear.
On the trail, I have been dealing with a lot of thoughts and emotions from my past that I was certain I had already "dealt" with. Past relationships, past hurts–good memories as well–like my current relationship, childhood happenings,and food–yes thoughts of milkshakes, hamburgers, and even a nice salad flood my mind.
The more these "comforts" pop up in my mind, the more I realize how often I turn to these "comforts" in life instead of seeking the Lord. This is something I am working on changing.
The landscape and scenery have been breathtaking, but I realize with each new day that He didn't call me out to the wilderness to experience a good hike. He brought me out here to teach me more about Himself as well as myself. I have already learned a lot and have heard from Him concerning certain things I was seeking Him about.
This has been great, but, I realize my focus now more than ever is simply learning to "be" with Him in His beautiful presence. I don't know entirely what the Lord has in store for me on this crazy journey, but, no matter what, I know I simply get to "BE" with my PAPA…
It’s exciting to hear how God is moving in your life, Phillip. Going deep in nature to go deep with the Lord may be hard, but it sounds like it is taking you to places where you needed to go.
cheering you on, PC, and the rest of the journeying peeps.
rest when he offers it.
stay close on the trail.
you are in a great place & good company of dependence.
woohoo. i’ll buy a round of shakes at the finish line!
Continued prayers for your safety and that God will meet you around each bend in the trail and I would like to wish Jon a special birthday wish! Hope it is the best birthday ever!
Love dad