I love how life experiences can teach you new lessons or reinforce lessons learned. Joni and I just returned from a week long retreat in Colorado at a beautiful B&B that I highly recommend called The Silver Lake Lodge.

Less that a mile away from our awesome retreat was the trailhead that leads you to Saint Mary’s Glacier and the beautiful lake beneath it. We looked at the trail description. The hike was approximately 3/4 of a mile to the lake and the hiking app listed it as moderate. On our first full day in Colorado we decided to make the trek. The sign at the base of the trail was a bit sobering.

But we sent a text asking our kids to pray for us and the location of our wills. Immediately we were taken aback at how rocky the trail before us appeared.

Okay. This is doable. Just step carefully and take your time. This is not a race to the top.

Pretty quickly after starting the ascent our lungs reminded us that we were at 10,500 feet. We stopped periodically to catch our breath. During one of these stops we met a young family from New York state. We took photos of their family and they returned the favor. They encouraged us that altitude adjustment struggles is an issue for all ages.

They plowed on ahead and we moved slowly up the trail. At one point we grew discouraged. There were no markers to indicate you were on the right track and no info on how much further you had to go. We faced a particularly steep and rocky path. It was the most disheartening moment of the hike so far. Just as we discussed our next step an energetic young couple returned down the trail. We asked if this rocky road was the only way up.

“Oh no. Just go around this way. It is a tiny bit longer but a much smoother trail.”

We followed their excellent advice and continued the climb. Again there was no indicator of our progress. We kept wondering how much farther? Is this worth it? What were we thinking?

Then it happened again. As we pondered our status a young woman came down the trail. Joni asked the dual question. How much further and is it worth it?

“You guys don’t have much further to go. And yes, it is SO WORTH IT!”

Her encouragement and energy was the fuel we needed. We finished the hike and discovered the magnificent beauty of the lake and glacier. It was so worth it!

We reveled in the moment and decided to hike on up to the glacier. When we made it there Joni surveyed the scenery and on the other side of the slope was the young family from New York waving and cheering for our success.

Later we reflected on the lessons learned. Having a dream to see the overwhelming beauty of God’s creation was a worthy goal. What we didn’t plan on was how rocky and steep the road would be at times. Isn’t that how life so often plays out? Unexpected things happen that discourage our hearts.

There was no clear direction to get us there or to let us know our location on our journey. Joni and I marveled at the “coincidence” we encountered at the two most difficult moments. A couple shows up to show us a better path. Then another person arrives to encourage us that we were nearly there and the effort would be worth it. We laughed at how these God moments are so amazing. Some might think it was mere coincidence. We have experienced so many times in our life journey together when God sends the perfect person, community, or event to get us through a hard time.

Scripture talks about the process to find the best path. In Psalm 119 we read this.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.

God’s Word gives direction and light in the darkness. Perhaps the best road map is found in Proverbs.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

The big lesson? Perseverance and trust got us to the top of that trail and the reward was overwhelming. We marveled in quiet worship at God’s creative genius. This is but a tiny indicator of the reward awaiting our trust in God. He will be their for every step as we navigate the rocky roads of life. Someday we will hit the end of the trail and be speechless as we step into the presence of our Lord and Savior. I often imagine family and friends who have climbed the trail ahead of us cheering and rejoicing at our arrival.

This journey is not easy. Never will be. One of the big mistakes we make in sharing our faith is making it seem like all troubles are over when you embrace Christianity. That is not in the contract. We will still have problems and heartaches and even tragedies. But we have a hope on that rocky road that is sustaining and powerful. Someday we will get to that beautiful destination. This was just a teaser for that magnificent moment in our future.