I have never gone out in nature by my self, but it is something I wholeheartedly recommend! Let me explain.
I was in Eagle River, Alaska this past weekend for a skating competition, and I had a couple extra days after the event to spend time with family. On Sunday after church I took advantage of the free afternoon, sunshine, and traveling alone without my husband to get in some personal time with nature. Never having traveled alone in the mountains before, I drove up to an area called Hutcher Pass, located in the southwest portion of the Talkeetna Mountain Range. I eventually parked the car and got out, not knowing where I would walk. I soon found a spot, and began hiking on a trail called Gold Mint Trail.
Because I am not eloquent enough with my words, I am not able to paint the picture of the beauty of the area I was in. But the powerful glacier waters of the Little Susitna River rushed alongside the trail, and the green mountains were towering on either side of me. There was a slight breeze, some passing clouds, and sunshine. It was a perfect set up for personal meditation.
There were some things that were weighing heavy on my heart for the past few weeks, and I really wanted to get them sorted out. During my 5 or so mile hike alone, I was able to just think about the beauty that was around me. I thought of the powerful river, the mountains, and the vast diversity of this world. And the Lord made it all. Then I realized that if the Lord could make all of this, couldn't he help carry my burdens for me? It was at that moment that I "gave up " what was weighing heavy on my heart to the Lord. I felt so much lighter and more free after this. It is not to say that I don't think about the issue anymore, rather I am not weighed down by it. I know the Lord is in control and I just need to trust Him.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
I was in Eagle River, Alaska this past weekend for a skating competition, and I had a couple extra days after the event to spend time with family. On Sunday after church I took advantage of the free afternoon, sunshine, and traveling alone without my husband to get in some personal time with nature. Never having traveled alone in the mountains before, I drove up to an area called Hutcher Pass, located in the southwest portion of the Talkeetna Mountain Range. I eventually parked the car and got out, not knowing where I would walk. I soon found a spot, and began hiking on a trail called Gold Mint Trail.
Because I am not eloquent enough with my words, I am not able to paint the picture of the beauty of the area I was in. But the powerful glacier waters of the Little Susitna River rushed alongside the trail, and the green mountains were towering on either side of me. There was a slight breeze, some passing clouds, and sunshine. It was a perfect set up for personal meditation.
There were some things that were weighing heavy on my heart for the past few weeks, and I really wanted to get them sorted out. During my 5 or so mile hike alone, I was able to just think about the beauty that was around me. I thought of the powerful river, the mountains, and the vast diversity of this world. And the Lord made it all. Then I realized that if the Lord could make all of this, couldn't he help carry my burdens for me? It was at that moment that I "gave up " what was weighing heavy on my heart to the Lord. I felt so much lighter and more free after this. It is not to say that I don't think about the issue anymore, rather I am not weighed down by it. I know the Lord is in control and I just need to trust Him.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Beautifully put, Jenessa! That's one of those lessons that you have to relearn with each new burden/trial. I'm so glad that you've found some peace! It's such a relief to feel Him take the weight. I love you!
ReplyDeleteI really do seem to have to relearn it with every trial. The great thing is that I remember the success with the proceeding experience, which then gives me strength to conquer the current one!
ReplyDeleteExactly :) It really helps so much.
ReplyDelete