A walk in the woods. A hike. Walking with a purpose. A strenuous walk. Uphill. Looking out. Amazing views. Getting to the top. Catching our breath. Turn to the right and go to the falls. Turn left and keep going up. To the falls first. Relax. Breathe. Enjoy the view. The amazing power of water as it cascades down the rocks. Onward. Upward. Lots of steps. My fear of heights kick in. Stay focused. One foot in front of the other. Get to the top. Step back and look out.
We see lots of families on our excursion today. Most parked at a higher elevation, knowing their young ones would only be able to walk so far. Lots of smiles, laughter, memory making on the trail. Some tears… “Mom, I’m tired. I can’t go on.” Encouragement. Rest. Here we go.
For some, these walks need an end point: What will we see? What will we do when we get there? For others, including myself, it is the joy of being out there, walking in the woods, on an adventure. It’s like being a kid again when you were outside with friends, exploring, biking, walking. I find that same joy as I walk these trails and see these sights.
Focal point. End point. Where is your joy point? Do you have to go somewhere, be with a certain someone? Joy comes from within. Bubbling inside you. Knowing God intimately brings joy. Puts a smile in your heart. Abiding in His presence, no matter where you are. He is there! Being present with God, wherever we are, is our joy point.
Romans 15:13: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”