I have been away from this very trip, and the mountains long enough to fully appreciate everything that actually happened, so I thought a blog would be the best way to express my feelings.
Wow! What a trip. When Tucker told me he wanted to go backpacking as a birthday gift, the adventurous side of me was convinced I could endure such a trip with ease. But as we entered the state park and began the drive to the trail head, my mind set changed. I knew it was going to be harder than I thought, but what is an adventure without struggle?!
Day one we planned to hike 4.5 miles, ((I have short legs okay!)) but a wrong turn added a few extra miles to our hike and we somehow missed the waterfall! So all together we hiked 6.5 miles day one, but ended with the most beautiful camp site next to the river. There had been a storm the night before so the river was full and flowing and the water was so cold and refreshing on my sore and tired feet.
Day two was a significantly easier hike, mainly because we were not going uphill for 5 miles, but also because I was well rested from listening to the rushing waters and crickets all night. When the hike was over, I didn't realize how much I missed our car! It was a wonderful site! And of course Tucker bought me a pizza on the way home and I think that was probably the most beautiful and delicious pizza I have ever had! Praise the good Lord for cheesy greasy pizza!
Now, I wouldn't consider myself an athletic person, but I'm not clumsy either. So I was surprised I needed help from Tucker as often as I did. Most of the time he walked in front and gave me a hand when the rocks were too big for my short legs or to help keep my balance. And usually he was handing me water or encouraging me to rest when I looked tired. When the brush was up to my elbows he walked in front to a clear path and hold the thorny branches back. And with every tree branch moved on my behalf, with every spiderweb swiped for my benefit, and for every caring gesture made showed a direct correlation to the way the Father loves me and His Church.
How many times have I been climbing this mountain called "life" and become so frustrated and tired that I forget just how much The Father cares for me? When life is not going my way I wonder if God has forgotten me, or if he has good things planned for me and it is all lies! He goes before me and he makes a path for me. A path that is more clear, with fewer thorns and spider webs. He cares so much that he puts little things in front of me and I can't help but notice Him. Days when I am feeling lonely, He gives me friends who invite me to lunch and we have fruitful, life giving conversations of the undeserving love He has for us. This time of the year I always notice the little yellow flowers (that are actually weeds) covering an entire field to create a sea of yellow, which is my favorite color! Days when I get to eat my favorite food, I think about how God cares about us enough not only to give us food but to give us taste buds.! He cares about us so much that He not only wants to nourish our bodies, but wants us to enjoy the flavor of foods He provides. And He gave me a husband who will buy me flowers so when I am overwhelmed I can literally wake up and smell the roses. So many times He moves obstacles that are preventing me from experiencing His love to the fullest and in doing so shows me how much he cares. And this time it was by sending me on a crazy backpacking trip with my adventurous husband who loves me so well..... so I can be reminded that The Father loves me even more and better than my favorite human being can ever love me.
Having no service all weekend and being away from our little world for a short time was like opening all the doors and windows in my heart. Allowing The Spirit to flow thru, invade, and speak to me in an intimate and unique way. It was like a breath of fresh air seeing all of his creation from a much different perspective.
I have been married for two years now and I find myself learning more about Tucker, myself, and marriage every day, but often focus too much on our worldly problems and fail to notice the goodness that is directly in front of me every single day. I can think of so many good things I neglect, but for now I will say... thank you Tucker caring for me so well and for fulfilling your promises to love me as Christ loves the church! I love your adventurous spirit and the way you push me to try new things that sometimes seem a little scary. I hope our children are as adventurous as you are!