The Hike...


On Saturday the 21st, some of the students from Innermission Campus Ministry and I participated in the 6 mile Winter Hike hosted by Hocking Hills State Park, as mentioned in my previous post.

The hike started at Old Man’s Cave – wound through the hills to Cedar Falls, (where we were served bean soup, corn bread and hot chocolate) then continued through the hills to Ash Cave. We had a great time and the views were spectacular – if you like walking along the edge of 300 – 400 foot vertical drops, seeing huge trees, and great waterfalls that is.

I made a few interesting observations about the hike that I would like to share…

1. There were lots of hikers, but not all of them enjoyed the hike.
2. There were lots of hikers, but not all were properly prepared for the hike.
3. Some of the hikers finished the hike only because of leaning on others for help and encouragement, and some children old enough to hike – needed to be carried.
4. I mentioned that the views were beautiful, but not all of them… sometimes the trail was really muddy, steep, dangerous, and at times it was hard to know just how close to the end we were.
5. Some hikers hiked alone.
6. I noticed several hiking the wrong way.
7. Some turned back.
8. When we finished the hike and loaded into our vehicles, most of those traveling with me sighed when they were seated in my truck and said they were glad it was over because they needed to rest – then they fell asleep – at least until we stopped at Pizza Hut.
9. After a short nap and pizza, everyone in my group was in total agreement – the hike was worth taking.

I think there are similar observations when we consider our walk through this life as Christians…

1. All who have given their life to God are hikers, but not all of us enjoy the hike.
2. All who have given their life to God are hikers, but not all of us have allowed Him to properly prepare us for the hike.
3. All who finish this hike will do so having always leaned on God -- and others -- for help and encouragement, and at times we will be carried by Him and them.
4. The views of this hiking trip are breathtakingly beautiful… but not all of them. Sometimes the trail is really hard, muddy, steep, dangerous, and no one knows just how close to the end of the trail we are.
5. Because of these and many other reasons – some will become discouraged and turn back.
6. When given an easier option, some hikers will choose the easier trail – and go the wrong way.
7. Some hikers will try to go it alone… and that’s just not possible.
8. All who finish this hike will be blessed eternally with sweet rest and a feast at the table of the Father.
9. When this hike is finished, we will all agree – the hike was worth taking.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 24-25

Keep Hiking!! Jamie