These Boots Were Made for Adventure

 

I have a pair of hiking boots that I wear whenever we will be going on long walks on rough terrain. I wear them to give me better support, so that I don’t turn my ankle on a rock. Their deep treads also give me better grip on slippery surfaces. On a recent road trip, I remember taking a picture of my feet sitting on the edge of a cliff, looking out over a vast, breathtaking vista in Glacier National Park. I posted that picture on social media and the caption said, “Whenever I wear these boots I know there is an adventure ahead.” When I wrote that caption I felt in my spirit there was a deeper meaning to the excitement when wearing those boots. Part of the intrigue about an adventure is not knowing exactly what you will be facing. It’s going for a hike with the anticipation of seeing glorious vistas and rippling brooks but also knowing there could be steep inclines and slippery rocks in your path. Adventure is moving ahead while embracing the unknown. Sometimes you have guides to follow on your hike or recommendations from previous hikers and sometimes you forge ahead blindly. It has been my experience that even if you have recommendations you still don’t fully know what it’s going to be like because everyone’s interpretation of the trail is different. My interpretation of a moderately difficult hike is termed as an easy hike to really experienced hikers, like my husband. So, I guess you can quickly surmise what our hiking experiences have been like together. You would be correct in your assumptions. Hiking is even more of an adventure when we hike together. However, it doesn’t deter us from hiking. If we avoided conflicts and challenges, keeping ourselves wrapped in a happy, protected environment, we would never experience the joy of a panoramic view of mountain peaks or a refreshing waterfall.

 I find this to correlate very well with our journey through life. We can stay safe and keep our hearts protected from people and circumstances. We can sidestep away from conflict. We can avoid possible failures. We can take the easy road – never try anything new, never start a business, never share our creative side, never be vulnerable, never speak in front of a group, never pray out loud – and the list goes on. Or, we can follow the impressions from the Lord and test out new things. We can follow our hearts and embrace new adventures that may leave us temporarily confused and winded. However, stepping out of our comfort zones and living life to its fullest is so invigorating, energizing and inspiring. Sure, it’s not as “safe” but adventures make us stronger, they make us more Christ-like.

I don’t know about you but I want to fit up my hiking boots for a spiritual journey that will take me on exploits far beyond my abilities. I want the Holy Spirit to be my guide and lead me places I never thought I could go. I want to reach the God inspired vistas and be breathless, wondrously exhausted and incredibly exhilarated! Come with me – let’s lace up!