Walk With The Father
Coulter, his oldest brother Trevor, his mom Lanikai, and I. Sawtooth Lake, ID.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Psalm 23:4
When Coulter was in high school, he took on the challenge of a 90-mile hike through the Sawtooth Mountains of ID. 10 miles in on day 1, we were at 8,700’; carrying almost 40lbs each. We had been in an old burn for 4 miles, where the trees had been destroyed by fire years ago, but had not grown back yet. The charred skeletal remains of the pines offered no escape from the relentless alpine sun and 90-degree temperatures.
We were all at a mental place where you are counting steps, trying to trick yourself into believing you only have to take 100 more steps. Our legs were burning from the build-up of lactic acid during our 5,500' of vertical gain, and our sea-level-conditioned lungs were screaming for oxygen, now 1.5 miles above their comfort zone.
As we crested the snow-capped pass, we were greeted by one of the most beautiful lakes we had ever seen. Dramatic rocky slopes plunged into ice blue waters that had only recently melted from the late-season snowstorms. With exhausted joy, we laughed, throwing our arms around each other and capturing the moment as best we could in memories and selfies.
Coulter trained with us for months to get here, carrying heavier loads than he carried this day, to ensure that for this moment and the rest of the moments to come in the remaining 80 miles, he would be prepared.
Coulter didn’t “love” backpacking. He did like to challenge himself, but I think he went because he knew I loved it and he wanted to experience it with me. When I look back on that day, I don’t primarily remember the mountains. I remember being with my son and our family. I would give anything to walk difficult trails with him again.
We can’t enjoy the beauty of creation in this way without being willing to persevere, training and taking one more painful step after another. Our Father doesn’t promise our paths will be easy. But He invites us to walk with Him, having trained and prepared, yes, but also staying focused on the beauty, joy, and blessings along the way; remaining steadfast in our faith in Him and in His promise to walk with us.
You don't have to climb the whole mountain. You only need to take one more step. Just keep walking with your Father.
You are Loved More than You Know.
#coulterslight
Coulter, Lanikai, and Trevor.
Sawtooth Lake, ID