I know! If you know me, you are probably surprised at my enthusiasm for this physical activity. But there was something about hiking in California that seemed to take all of my troubles away. While I was hiking, the stress of my studies was nonexistent, and all that existed was God, nature, and me.
Hiking In the City
So imagine my surprise when I moved back to New York City only to discover that there are hiking trails in the city! Nice ones! That’s not even the most shocking part! The (arguably) nicest hiking trail in the city is located at my neighborhood park, three blocks from where I grew up.
I recently hiked the trail with a childhood friend of mine. The hike, which should’ve taken 45 minutes, took more than double that time. Because of the winding nature of the trail, we had gotten lost during what should have been a really easy trek. When we finally got out of the trail two hours later, we were exhausted, hungry, and a little annoyed with ourselves.
So you can imagine my surprise when my friend called me up a week later to ask if I wanted to hike the same trail with him again! After I protested he said, “Why are you worried? We got lost before but now we know better. I’m not afraid of that trail anymore, especially now that I know my way back.”
Trials In Life
I now strive to have the same attitude towards the trials in my life as my friend does to hiking the trail. So many times difficulties keep me from trying again. But I hope that from now on I’ll be like my friend and run confidently towards challenges.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4, NIV).
Jael Amador writes from New York, New York.
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