It occurred to me recently that the current economic situation is much like hiking through the woods for me. Well, not totally, but let me explain just how they are similar enough for me to draw the comparison. It is not hard to know that I like to hike from the flow of my pictures and stories on this blog. Sometimes I like to take a trek by myself, sometimes with others, but in all cases I find myself refreshed spiritually if perhaps spent physically.
As I was standing recently at this lookout near Wallace Falls, close to Gold Bar on Highway 2, I was once again struck by how nature so many times comes to the rescue for me. Mother Nature, which we so often abuse, overuse or otherwise ignore continues to be so generous to us.
On this particular day when I took this photo, God used nature to help me get perspective! On many things. Watching the markets and trying to figure out when we are going to hit bottom has been a bit unsettling, for some very traumatic. I can’t imagine the trap some must feel at the prospect of losing their job or their house and then needing to find a new job or home in a down economy. I was talking with someone recently who told me they cried every day this past year over the prospect of needing to declare bankruptcy. The burden of the ripple effect through their family, the sense of failure added to the fact that starting over in the hole in midlife is not easy. Wow.
On the trail I sometimes wonder if my body is up to the task I have chosen for that day. In the lowlands, among the trees I’m constantly wondering how much further I need to go before I stop. Can I really make it? I’m checking my watch and looking for signposts that will indicate I’m well on the way or close to my destination. But among the trees, it is sometimes hard to get perspective and know where you are. Distances can be hard to estimate. You can’t see that far ahead. One tree looks just like the last one and one following. Amongst the trees in fact it is so easy to lose perspective! Hmmm, sounds like the expression “losing the forest for the trees!” Actually, sometime you can even get lost among the trees. The mind starts to play tricks on the body and the longing of the heart is to finish. The feet are sore, leg muscles aching, mouth is parched and my body is craving to just park the derriere for a long pause. Getting disoriented or even lost does happen. Hey I like the journey as much as the destination, in life just like in hiking. But truth be told, I like the lookouts up high on the trail where I can see and appreciate a grand view! And rest. Renewal and the awe that strike my heart from the view restores and get me ready to keep going.
It is all about perspective. I need to let God be God, in my life and the uncertainties that come my way. In down times or up. When I regain perspective, I begin to trust God again and move forward somehow, someway, knowing that the lookout is not far ahead! Psalm 19 makes the correlation better than me. I grew up hearing this Psalm in church, but also on the trail with my dad. It has given me a window on how God’s handiwork can help us all get perspective in difficult times:
1The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
