Keep climbing, but don’t miss the view

I love hiking. I enjoy the views and the fresh air. I actually think I am my healthiest self when I spend time outside. Most people do.

When you hike with other people, as much as you try to go at the same pace, some go faster and some go slower. There are people who like to chat; others stay quiet, taking it all in. Some follow a strict “no cellphone” rule, while others take a picture of every rock or tree. Some are up for the challenge (the longer, the better), and there are some who are just doing it for the view and the picture at the top to record and certify that they were there and made it up.

This last one is funny… because they want the picture so badly, but they wish they could take a helicopter to avoid the walk, the bugs, and the sweatiness that can come with the hike. These are the ones who, every five minutes, say, “Are we there yet? I am thirsty. I am getting hungry.” No judgment, friends, if that is you.

A few years ago, I checked the box on one of the places on my travel bucket list: Utah. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I picked a great month to go (in my opinion): mid-September. It still had the warmth of summer but with the colors of autumn. It was simply beautiful.

And of course, while being there, I HAD to go on a hike. A couple of friends from Costa Rica were visiting too, so we went together.

During that time, I was in a pivotal transition period. I was still living in DC, finishing up a program, and I needed to make a decision about whether I was moving to Charlotte, NC, to work at a church or going back to Costa Rica to continue working in corporate. The options were significantly different from each other. I really needed to clear my head. Most importantly, I wanted to honor God in the process.

One of my friends was not used to hiking, so we made several stops during the journey. I was so eager to get to the top and finish that I started to feel slowed down by it. Then it started to hit me: I am treating my own life the same way I am treating this hike. I feel behind, so I am trying to go faster, and in doing so, I am leaving important people behind, missing the moment, and certainly not enjoying the present to the fullest.

God used that hike to remind me of something very important that not only served me during that season, but that I still hold onto today. I felt God telling me, “If you wouldn’t be so focused on ‘getting there,’ you would notice the blessings I am surrounding you with right now. Look up. Enjoy the view.”

And I did.

We were halfway into the hike when we found this beautiful lake. Crystal-clear water. The air felt peaceful and fresh. The view was stunning, and we hadn’t even made it to the top yet.

God was teaching me that I don’t have to wait until I reach the end of the hike to enjoy it. Some hikes are meant to be faster; others slower. Some are steeper; others are flatter.

Slow doesn’t mean “delayed.” Think of a runner: when they slow their pace, it’s to get stronger and ready to run faster. They are controlling their breathing and refocusing their bodies.

Don’t let comparison discourage you. Go at your own rhythm. If someone is going faster than you, use that as inspiration. And if you are going faster than others, guess what? You might be inspiring them. How cool is that?!

We live in such a fast-paced world that celebrates speed more than progress. But at what cost? Peace, mental health, community, integrity, happiness, gratefulness?

Tomorrow isn’t promised.

Focusing on our dreams and goals is important, but be careful that what you’re calling “focus” is not a mask for ungratefulness.

Perhaps you started from the bottom, and you feel like it’s taking forever to get there. You might even be tired of continuing. But just like when we go hiking, it’s okay to take a short break, just don’t get too comfortable. Catch your breath and get back up, because you’ve got to hike to the end.

I bet you don’t want others to tell you how it looks up there, you want to see it for yourself, don’t you?

You have made it this far. Don’t allow yourself to quit.

One more thing: look around. Your best view might be right in front of you. Don’t miss it.

Make today count.

YOU GOT THIS!

Doing the Work 

• Where in your life do you feel like you are rushing to “get there”? What blessings in your life right now might you be overlooking because you’re focused on the next destination?

• Is comparison making you feel behind in any area of your life? How could you shift your perspective to trust God’s timing for your journey?

• What is one way you can slow down this week and intentionally “look up and enjoy the view”?