not just a hike.

We are one month away!

With august 27th creeping up it has led me to set up my tent, practice packing multiple times, countless amazon orders and the start of the goodbyes. It has also brought upon so much excitement, anticipation, a little bit of doubt, and just eagerness to learn about our loving savior. 

I recently went on a 4 day trip to Utah with my dad to specifically hike Angels landing. It is a very popular hike, known for its large drop-offs, very narrow sections, and its well deserved panoramic view at the top. Before we even started our trek to the top I was nervous, not just for myself but for my dad as well. If you take one wrong step that could be it. 

Dad and I had decided ahead of time that he would be behind, so he could keep an easier eye on me instead of being in front and having to constantly check that I was still there. Well those plans changed when we got to the trail head. I told him I would rather be behind to watch and follow his steps. It ended up being the right decision because dad was able to concentrate on what he was doing without having to worry about me.

While I thought I was just hiking with my dad, God decided to use it as an opportunity to teach me more of his ways.

“I would rather be behind to watch and follow your steps.” Is what I said to my dad.  Why was it so easy to trust my earthly father to keep me alive on a dangerous hike, when my heavenly father is longing for me to wholeheartedly trust and follow his steps? Do I really think that the God that created me would lead me down the wrong path? 

I have found myself doubting my ability to serve God well, and that i’ll get back and not have any direction in what I am called to do. Isn’t that crazy? God so passionately strives towards his own glory. So much so that he sent his son to die on the cross. So that Jesus could “certify God’s integrity, to vindicate God’s word, and to magnify God’s glory.” Let the Nations Be glad, John Piper. God sent his son for his own sake, for his own glory. Because of that truth God is going to give me all the tools that he sees fit for himself to get all of the glory. 

Which now leads to the when question. I bet we all have heard at some point in our life that God’s timing is perfect. Which is so true and for some people it might be exactly what they need to hear during a hard time. For me on the other hand isn’t what I always want to hear. (Want being the key word)

So how do we get through the deep desire to know his plans and to have it now? I wish I had an easy answer to this question. After studying Ecclesiastes 3 over and over again, I have learned that the more I let doubt in the more likely I will move ahead without his guidance. Though its hard to hear sometimes, we will have the most peace with God when we 1: discover, 2: accept, and 3: appreciate his timing.

God’s timing is perfect and he will reveal his will for my life in that so perfect timing.

So just like I wanted to be behind and follow after my dad during the hike, lets now go and follow in the footsteps of the one who is so passionately longing for us to put our  complete trust in him. 

And I thought getting a tattoo was going to the most exciting part of the trip..hah little did I know!  Moral of the story…go hike with your dad, it’ll be more than just a hike. 🙂               

<3 your fav