Look at the View

It's been a good week. Of course, it started with a backpacking trip. Yeah, that's right. Overnight in a tent. Sleeping on the ground. Would never have believed it possible. Have come so far in the last year. Took off on a 5.5 mile circuit hike in one of the National Parks. The first day, we descended 1200 ft. and let me tell you, contrary to instinct, going downhill was a lot tougher than climbing 1200 ft. on the way out. The scenery was spectacular. It all goes back to my cost-benefit equation. If you are willing to put in the work, go slowly, carry a walking stick for balance, and keep a sense of humor, the payoff will be enormous. Assuming of course, your body is ready to do such a hike. I can't say with complete confidence that my body was ready for this level of exertion. However, I walked 4 miles in a race in the past few weeks, and have been training "hard" to get back on track.
If sustaining a substantial injury has taught me anything, it is simply this: enjoy the moment you are in. Look around-- there are beautiful reminders of God's presence everywhere you look if you take the time. I feel it in the waterfalls, the flowers, the butterflies, the changing color of the leaves, and the sound of the rain falling on the treetops. I have a peacefulness about me that came about during this journey. Someone carved God Loves You into a log near the waterfall where we were hiking. My first thought upon seeing that was-- "Isn't that obvious? Look at the view!"