So I went hiking in early August.  The goal was to do the Appalachian Train in the state of Maryland- taking four or five days to do so. The whole idea was to hike for six or so hours, nap and read, dinner, overnight sleep, wash, rinse, repeat.

Ahhh, yeahhhhh. 

The trail was exponentially tougher than I had imagined, with steep climbs and considerably unsure footing.  My nine mile/ six hour first day hike was terminated after nine hours and eight miles and my legs totally depleted of gas.

But that metaphor of not being able to see the forest for the trees thingee.  Totally get that now!

When I was hiking, all I could see is the next trail blaze in front of me, the next steady step before me, the next hill.  Only when the air had been sucked out of my lungs, when my heart felt as if it would explode out of my chest, only then could I appreciate the quiet and stillness, the beauty, the peace that had been surrounding me all along.

Was bagging out of the hike a failure?  Was it a learning?  My work styles and prayer life will probably be the best places to check regarding the outcomes of a hike in the woods.