This is the day I learned lessons about communication, maps and trails and just LIFE in general … that is what I want to get back to now for a little.
Hopefully this will tie it into life lessons for not just me but some of you as well.
As mentioned, a little over a week ago we went to Grayson Highlands and I wrote a note about that adventure. I wanted to change some things and add a little – because not only was it a great day, as usual, I learned some lessons and have continued thinking about some things … so …
After the meadows where we saw those fabulous ponies, we wanted to hike to the waterfall.
If you have ever hiked to a waterfall you will already know that you go down, down, down to make your way to the base of the fall. Unless, of course, you want to be at the peak of the falls and look down then it is usually a rugged, steep climb up. Both places – the bottom and the top are lovely and loud! This trail descended on a nice path, with a creek on our left, we were surrounded by cool air and beauty along the way. It was a little rocky once in a while and did actually have some climbs but was for the most part was indeed downward; a long, long, long ways down. Then, we got to the falls – they weren’t as big and nice as some we’ve enjoyed but it was a destination and and we’d arrived so, oh, joy!
Side-note: our kids, and sometimes Lowell, usually like to go to the top and that’s what they did. Our 2 sons are way up there at the tippy top looking way down on us. I like a good waterfall but I am glad I am not up there! Hmmmm … little did we know what was to come.
Now, for the return. We knew the Ranger had said this would be “loop” – we didn’t have to backtrack … and it looked like the path was marked to keep going so, we did, all of us, to the top. Yuck! this upward stuff is not that great … finally, it leveled off for a little. But, then it kept going – up and up! Ugh! Yep, it was that kind of trail that isn’t really a trail. You stop and look here and there for the most worn area and move upward. Look for the marking of paint on a tree and keep going. My guys took their time – Jared taking pictures, Lowell and Jake throwing crumbs of pretzel in the stream so they could see the trout frolic. But I went with a purposed mind, onward and upward, huffing and puffing and pulling my way up. I just stayed focused on getting through this and more than once I was just longing to ‘get out’ before nightfall.
Eventually, it developed somewhat into a well-worn trail again – yeah! and I still steadily made my way up. At last a sign! but a confusing sign and because Lowell had the map in his pocket, I found a somewhat flat boulder, sat, did some deep breathing, rested and waited. They arrived all too quickly and we perused the map and made a decision to keep climbing. In my mind I saw us curving to the left out of here and into the parking area at the end. It wouldn’t be too far… just had to get this ‘climb’ out of the way. Rugged, slippery, dangerous, ‘where is the path anyway’ climb. Pull myself up, on hands and knees, “you can do it, Robin”, sort of ascent. “Dear Lord, I am not a mountain goat” kind of climb. But you see, the path was still there … until it wasn’t.
Finally, Jared, our fearless leader, says “I don’t see a path – just these boulders.” Lowell says – “There is no path, this is not the way out.” He looks directly at me and says, “We’ve gotta go back”. Oh, my, oh dear, what’s a girl to do? We look at the map again and this time discuss our beginning and where we’re headed from our various perspectives. I point out where I think we are and where we are headed. Lowell points out where we’ve come from … what? We made a choice of two paths way, way back? Oh, no! That changes everything! You see, all along I had in my mind a direction that we were going in and it did not include this sharp turn to the right we had made. But, remember, I had been following for almost the whole hike until we’d reach the falls and only then did I do the forging ahead thing. While I had my eyes focused on the steps right before me, I had missed the fork in the road and our veering to the right. I had been anticipating a turn that was never to be because of ignorance as to where we had come from.
It became clear we had to backtrack and get to the point where I had sat and waited on that boulder. That sign had names on it that were not on the map but the choice was clear and we had to go down, down, down and choose this other trail if we ever wanted to see home again. Yikes! This was NOT going to be fun. I was flustered, scared, tired, wobbly, but determined. With help from Jared for the more treacherous spots, I climbed, scooted, prayed and fell my way off that very serious incline. I actually did do my share of laughing and had fun. When we finally got to the ‘point of decision’, there was this very apparent fork in the road – and well, it was totally clear so, away I went. With renewed energy, a sure focus and a known destination, I visualized my immediate goal and I plowed on. It was as easy as pie.
The guys, well, they still meandered and took pictures and played and enjoyed. My total and complete joy was going to be to end this – sit down in the meadow and wait for them, then get to the car so we could drive to the pinnacle… and my abundance was going to be to eat a sandwich and get a full and quenching drink. But for now, as you noticed, it was ‘Just get this over with, already!!’
When we got out in the open it was early evening and we realized the clouds had come down. The 360 degree view from the summit was not to be for this day. Cripes!
I love anticipation though and know we will be back so, that’s a good thing.
Hooray for a great day – I was alive!
Lessons learned —
We have to look up every so often, get your bearings and read the map correctly.
- we have to look up every so often in life as well -Where am I? Am I on the right path? Can I change this?
- and … have you and who you are traveling with read the map correctly? did you change course on purpose or by accident?
- you have to TALK about where you’re going and how you’re going to get there.
Discuss freely and openly with those involved in your walk, don’t make assumptions, and never give up!
- talk openly, using respect and kindness, with the people walking with us – our spouse. our children, friends …
- don’t assume they know what you’re thinking,
- don’t give up on yourself and
- don’t give up on those you are called to love.
Just when you don’t think you have the energy or strength for one more step someone finds an unexpected bag of pretzels, or some dried fruit
- sometimes we don’t think we can go another step, survive one more minute, we’re hanging on by a thread … and then out of no where our soul is refreshed, our spirit is renewed.
- look out for little blessings that are actually the soul of life … don’t take them for granted
and with all those rocks and boulders to climb over, interrupting your path, there’s always bound to be one that invites you to sit and rest a while.
- God sometimes just must smile and shake His head at our impatience and frustration … over and over, when we are the most weary He invites us to sit down … not try and move a boulder but just rest, let Him work His majestic will in our lives.
Relax, take a deep breath and relish the adventure of the day!
- we sometimes get so wrapped up in survival that we forget to love and live in the now.
- do what you gotta do right now with a decision to love and serve and laugh
- and then you can be where you wanna be tomorrow with no regrets …
I am so glad I am not climbing over those boulders and sliding down on my hiney but, I am thankful I went through it … all that struggle and being afraid. I am glad Jared took pictures to remind me that along the way we saw and participated in the magic of nature …
Tags: adventure, Family, staying-strong, VISION
