Seek: On the Path of Life
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures evermore.”
Psalm 16:11
Visiting Bend, Oregon in late spring is a special kind of adventure. There is still snow on the tall peaks but down by the river it is warm enough to enjoy the water. On a beautiful May weekend my adventure crew and I set up our base camp at Mt Bachelor Ski Resort. With RV spots in the lot, our little travel trailer made a great home away from home.
We hit the slopes in the morning to enjoy one of the last weekends for spring skiing, and in the afternoon made our way down to the Deschutes River and splashed around on our SUP boards and kayak. Wrapping up the weekend with a short hike at one of the country’s top destinations for rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park, I truly can’t think of anything that could have made it a more fun weekend.
It’s not every day I get to enjoy morning matcha with mountain views or spend a lazy afternoon floating the river. But weekends spent exploring do spark my spirit, reminding me to soak up every moment I can outside. You may not have such a playground in your own backyard, but if you look there is beauty around you.
Take a walk around the neighborhood or a nearby park. Walk to a nearby coffee shop instead of driving. Find a patio or outdoor space to bring your work for a little while. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to remind you that God’s beauty and fullness of joy is all around you. I can forget for a moment about the piles of laundry, the dishes that need to be washed, or my work to do list. I can simply put one foot in front of the other and thank God for leading me. Leading me on the trail, but also through life and all the fullness He has for me.
I also love finding new hikes nearby. There is something about feeling trail under my boots and climbing up to a view that invigorates me. The smell of the dirt or wildflowers or a stream kickstarts my senses and reminds me that no matter where this winding trail takes me, that for a moment I don’t have to think of anything else. I’ve made all the preparations necessary to safely have fun: reviewed a trail map, brought appropriate clothing and shoes, stocked the first aid kit, and packed enough food and water for the walk.
It sounds like a lot, but when you are outside as much as I am, you get the preparation down to only a few minutes. On the path of life, you must also prepare to enjoy it to the fullest. Read God’s word (that’s your trail map), pray for guidance and direction, and fill your life with good things. I promise the prep is worth all the work and all you will gain.
May you Seek + Sojourn more,
Teddi Jo
