Red cardinals swooped through the blooming white dogwoods and other newly leafed trees. Caterpillars wiggled across the walking trail, while an orange butterfly floated in the air. The fresh coolness of spring air and gentle sun provided a perfect day for a hike around a lake.
The gentle lapping of waves on the shore and the song of the birds created a springtime symphony.
Part of the path wandered through a forest, where tree roots and rocks on the trail kept me alert to where I stepped. I knew I’d reached the halfway point when the trail became paved. I felt ambitious to hike around all five and half miles of Lake Fayetteville.
After a long cold winter and intense spring storms, it felt good to get out into nature. After a long cold winter and intense spring storms, it felt good to get out into nature.
Hiking the path gave me opportunity to de-clutter my mind, think and pray.
The sun warmed the afternoon air. Other hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers shared the beauty of the day.
I returned to my car weary and hot, but pleased. Not only had I completed a hike on a beautiful day, but I also finished an listening to an audiobook. My tired feet and legs will later remind me of my path around the lake, but my spirit is more refreshed. Now I will focus on my next task, which is editing my book. I needed to prepare my spirit and mind before entering the next phase of writing.
I felt physically weary after the hike, but it was a good kind of weary. Now I felt ready to go forward on the path a major project.
Many passages in the Bible encourage us to walk in the path of the Lord. This verse comes to mind:
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” Psalm 25: 4-5 NIV.
My hike led me to seek God which also refreshed my spirit. I’m thankful the Lord will lead us on His beautiful path when we seek Him.
Here is a question for you: When have you felt physically weary but also refreshed in your spirit?