Hiking

 I love to hike. Jeff and I love to hike. We've hiked in our Missouri State Parks, our National Parks, and even some of the local parks that have trails. Hiking, to me, is not the same as just taking a walk. If I go for a walk, it will probably be on a paved trail, sidewalk, or road that may be in a town, park, or even a school. My hiking usually takes place in a wooded area. Just my preference. 

Today I went for a hike by myself to a nearby state park. Jeff was working and I wanted to hike, so I drove to Don Robinson State Park. It isn't too far from home and is a beautiful location. It has 2 trails; LaBarque Hills Trail (2.4 miles) and Sandstone Canyon Trail (3.9 miles). We've hiked the LaBarque Hills Trail in the past and even though the Sandstone Canyon Trail is a bit longer, I chose to hike the Sandstone Canyon Trail.

I'll admit, the Sandstone Canyon Trail looked a bit intimidating, but nothing I couldn't complete. I've completed a Barbarian Challenge that was a 6.2 mile course with many obstacles along the course (I didn't complete many of the obstacles but I did complete the course). It was held at Noccalulu Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama. It was definitely a tough course. That was hiking to the extreme.

When Jeff and I hike or walk together, we will often talk to each other as we hike/walk but we also will often just hike/walk without talking. We just look at what is around us and listen to all the sounds of the area. We'll stop and explore sections, take pictures, and just observe.

Many times when I walk alone I'll listen to music on my phone, typically only Joy FM (although I like most types of music). 

Today's hike, I didn't want the distraction of music playing in my ears. That didn't mean I didn't have music swirling in my head as I always have a song or ten playing in my head and I am always "singing" along to it (I try to keep this singing to myself). Additionally, I love just hearing the wind blow, the crunch of the leaves under my feet (or under the feet of critters walking in the woods), the trickle of water in a creek or stream, or the sound of people who I might encounter on the trail. I stop often and take in the amazing beauty that God has created. I observe. I take pictures. I collect items for the "nature box" we have for the grandkids.

In addition to all of the above listed activities that I do while hiking, I pray. I pray for my husband, my children (and their wives), my grandchildren, the rest of my family, friends, church, missions, our country, this world...they are never ending. Someone or something comes to mind and I pray. I don't often remember exactly what I prayed for or about but I remember today's prayers. There were two main prayers on my mind and heart today.  The first was for a friend and her family as they are preparing the death of their mother and grandmother. She is declining rapidly right before their eyes. It made me think about the 7 days we spent watching my mom die. 😢  💔 The second prayer was thanking God for His grace, mercies, and forgiveness EVERY DAY. 💗Also a reminder that I need to always remember to extend the same grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others. How could I not when I am forgiven over and over again.

As I hiked today, I didn't have the trail all to myself as I encountered quite a few people along the trail. We exchanged our "hello" and "good morning" and each moved on our way. How many of them were humming a song in their head? How many were praying for someone they know? I have no idea. I do know that I will continue to LISTEN as I take my hikes. You never know what you might hear.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10