return to the mountain

I have a deep passion for hiking. I love the feel of my feet running along the mountain trail. Whether it's early in the morning or the beauty of dust, I enjoy the prospect of putting my body to the test in the rugged desert landscape. And fortunately, I live only 9 minutes from Squaw Peak, a mountain reserve in the middle of the Phoenix valley.

My favorite trail is called the "circumference trail". It is a 4.5 mile hike around the main mountain. The topography of the trail can be described as rolling hills, providing for great opportunities for trail-running.

This trail-running is not for the faint at heart. Risk is avoidable which this delightful activity. With cacti, loose gravel and abundant protruding rocks, there is potential danger with each step. This risk can be minimized by quality equipment, prudent judgment, solid depth perception and an overall good sense of one's surroundings.

I've been hiking this circumference trail for about 18 months, generally going around 3 or 4 times a week. Up until March 2, I had never fallen during my trail-running ventures.

I guess something had to give.

I was on a flat stretch in the middle of the trail when all the sudden, my white and yellow nike shoes can caught on a rock. I can remember the scene as if everything happened in slow motion. My arms came out swinging, trying to catch my body in the fall. I tucked my neck back to hopefully avoid direct impact with the ground. My hands let loose my ipod as they prepare to meet soil.

But all of this activity couldn't prevent the reality that I was falling. All of my hiking experience amounted to nothing as my body was humbled under the hot Arizona sun.

My injuries looked much worse than they really were. The palms of my hands and knees were the worst. Blood streamed from both areas. Trailing down my leg, red blood began to soak into my socks. I was forced to use my t-shirt to stop the bleeding on my hands. I was certainly a sight for sore eyes, but there wasn't a soul to be found on the trail that day.

I gathered my belongings, which had scattered everywhere after the fall, pulled myself together and proceeded to continue the hike. I could walk, so there wasn't really any point in calling for help. A helicopter ride out of the park was a cool $750.

As I hiked in pain, I realized that I could either cry or laugh. I decided to laugh. Although the fall hurt, I knew it could have been much worse. Thank you God, for looking out for me.

I finished the hike strong, the complete 4.5 miles, receiving many strange looks from other hikers. Perhaps they thought that we were filming a horror movie at the top of the mountain, ha ha! Nope, just a fallen hiker.

And you know what, I've gotta be honest. After this fall, I was a little apprehensive about getting back on the mountain. I mean, was this really worth it? The fall was painful and humbling. Maybe I should just join the mobs at 24 Fitness and run on the machines in a sterile gym. You generally don't see people leave the gym all bloody.

I realized that was an important life lesson submerged in this decision. Should I be discouraged from doing something I love and feel is important because of one bad experience? Hmmmm, it's tempting, but the answer is a clear NO!

Yes, of course, there were lessons to learn from my fall experience, but my no means should I shy away from future hiking adventures. Otherwise, my fear would win the battle. I love hiking, and yes, there are risks and dangers, but I will not give up on my passion.

And this applies to many areas of life. If you get fired from a job, it doesn't mean you shouldn't work anymore, but you need to get back in the saddle and try it again. Of course, readjust your approach and learn new methods, but don't give up hope. Or it could be relationships or friends. Just because one friend disappoints you doesn't mean that you have to cancel your cell phone plan and become a monk in Nepal.

And believe me, this lesson is for me.

So, this past Sunday, I went hiking before church and it was beautiful. I hike my favorite trail and it was glorious. God created a wonderful day for me to enjoy. As I ran, I came across the spot where I fell. I just smiled and kept on running. I didn't want to give the trail anymore glory. Glory belongs to our God.

So hey, anyone for a hike? J

Josh
Phoenix