Take a Hike!

We wanted to end our separate lives and not live like roommates any more

Hiking is what saved my first marriage from sure disaster. After living practically separate lives with arguments over the same things, we decided—with the help of counselors and marriage help books—to make a last ditch effort. We knew we lived more like married singles and didn’t want to continue in this direction. We were tired of arguing and practically living as room-mates for nearly twenty years and wanted something better. The last ditch effort was a two month mountaineering class, where we met weekly in a classroom and learned how to dress for hiking and climbing, use a compass, and survive in the wilderness. Each weekend we’d take hikes which gradually became more difficult and finally, a snow class using ice axes, crampons, and learning to tie knots to rope up and safely climb across dangerous ice fields. Our graduation climb was an 11,250 foot Mt. Hood. Eventually, I climbed that peak six times. Bill many more.

  I learned to appreciate the outdoors….

We had a great ride the next twenty years hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and yes, climbing mountains. I learned to appreciate the outdoors like never before.

The dregs of our marriage magically emerged into a beautiful relationship

The new hobby brought us together in a way we never imagined. It was like watching a cocoon open up to a beautiful butterfly. The dregs of our marriage magically emerged into a beautiful relationship and we shared experiences I’ll never forget. Those climbs and hikes toughened me and gave me courage during Bill’s serious illness that eventually took his life. Our love grew stronger and we were able to face those last days of his illness with grace.

Let’s go for a hike!

My sweet husband, Jim loves to hike too, and earlier this week, we woke up to a brilliant blue sky contrasted with fluffy cotton ball shaped clouds. “Let’s go for a hike!”Jim declared. He studied his weather app and reported the clouds would disappear. We knew we’d have a great view if we ventured up to the highest point of the Coast Range, Saddle Mountain. The guidebook promised views of the Columbia River, the famous Astoria Bridge, and the beach far below. “It’s supposed to clear up completely by 1:00 o’clock. Let’s do it!”

Hiking is good for our  bodies–and souls, too.cHiking now brings back happy memories and time for contemplation. Most of the time I enjoy it, but I must confess, I’m happier when I reach the summit and not while I’m huffing and puffing up the trail. Hiking back down means we can converse while walking and soon, we are back at the parking lot with a chance to sit down, take off our boots, and wiggle our toes freely, and feel we’ve done something good for our bodies and souls, too.

It reminded me of how much God loved me just by the beautiful creation He made for us.

While grieving the loss of my two husbands, I found it helpful to walk in nature. I felt closer to God. I didn’t have to say much to Him, but I felt He talked to me. The beautiful scenery reminded me of how much God loved me just by the beautiful creation He made for us.

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit wth seed in it, according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.” Genesis 1:11-13

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grief is many things

Maybe you’re grieving something today. It could be anything, for there are so many losses in our lives. Sometimes it’s death, but it can also be loss of health or a job—or acts of terrorism as happened in France just yesterday.

Let the warm sun kiss your face

I’d like to encourage you to take a walk. Maybe you can’t get to a hiking trail, but how about a walk in the neighborhood? And if you aren’t able to walk, sit outdoors and enjoy the flowers and blue sky. Let the warm sun kiss your face, breathe in fresh air and know you aren’t alone.

Hiking reminds us there is someone much bigger than we are–who loves us–and created our world…..

Taking a hike or walk is good for everyone whether we’re grieving or not. It refreshes our bodies and mind. It reminds us there is someone much bigger than we are, who loves us and created our world just for us. Take a hike or walk. Or a sit outdoors. Enjoy!