As Hiking Parallels Life....

The park with hiking trails near our house is only open Friday through Monday...so, I've designated Friday mornings as hike morning.  Today was the first trip.. well, not the first trip there, but the first of the designated Friday trips there.  :)

The kids and I did the farm chores and loaded up to go walking....

When we got there, we opted for the longest hike...4.3 miles..with a brief detour at the end so that we could switch over to the trail that follows the river bank....because I do so love water..

So, we start walking and after a bit, I notice Isaac is struggling, so I reach down to take his hand, and he says,

"Thanks, Mom...I was really needing that."

And that's when it happened.  I thought, OMGah... that is SO life.  You're walking along and you don't even ask for it, and someone takes your hand, because they NOTICE you struggling...  and you realize how nice it is...  a hand in yours.

"Thanks....I was needing that."

And then the entire walk turned into so many parallels to life that I thought I'd take some pictures and share my thoughts with you....

Just moments after needing a hand, Isaac was running off, saying, 

"I don't need anybody's help now!"

(sound familiar??  LOL)

 Sometimes, you are the one that needs carrying... 

sometimes, you are the one strong enough to carry someone else.....

 Sometimes you get to revel in the fellowship of those journeying with you...

 Sometimes, you have march to the beat of your own drum,

and go against the grain  :)

Wow....the grass sure does look greener on the other side of that fence, doesn't it?

 

Sometimes, the path you're on is so dang beautiful, it takes your breath away...

and you are reminded why you endure....

Life is full of nuts...some of them you call "friend"  :)

There *WILL* be storms....and they will shake you to the core.  Looking upon the devastation will 

hurt ...  and maybe astound you that you survived.  You will have scars.

Sometimes, there are big, hairy things in your way...

but you find out when you are upon  them that they looked worse from afar

than they really are.

 You will sometimes feel hemmed in ...and restricted by your fences...

you will either straddle them, 

find an opening to the other side,

or find contentment in your pasture.

 There will be times when life is calm....

and you have a chance to reflect...

Take time to replenish your soul...

And stash away some peace for the storms you have yet to encounter.

Sometimes, being a rock means

staying in one place...

allowing things to roll on by you 

while you remain rooted where you are...

Other times, being a rock means

allowing yourself to be moved....

rolling, tumbling...from life's experiences. 

Either way, being a rock means that you 

remember who YOU are....

Sometimes, all you have to do is observe a path to know it's too rocky for safe travels...

and you either choose extreme caution or avoid it all together...

Sometimes, you feel all alone.

The path is lonely...there is no one but you in sight...

your heart loses hope..

you find the journey tedious, and lacking joy...

Remember during those times of loneliness, to look around...

you WILL see others walking the path...

they are there.

never lose hope.

Remember to take time to stop and notice the little things in life...

they will make your heart smile...

And give you photos for the inner eye for future bliss....