About eight months ago, the same four of us began a journey together in a similar mindset, not really knowing where it would lead. We merged our two families together under the same household. It was exciting, in a way, because it was new. At the same time, it didn't seem like such a big deal because we all knew it would be a temporary situation. I doubt any of us knew the magnitude of the lessons we would learn from life and from one another during this transformational time.
As we started up the road, the path was wide but also steep. There was plenty of shade from trees along both sides of the trail. When it comes to anything requiring physical exertion and the four of us, I will finish (mostly because I'm stubborn), but I will finish last. At the beginning, though, I was feeling really good and I led the way for a while. We were enjoying ourselves, looking at exotic wildflowers, the birds-eye view of Lake City and just spending time together. We knew it was a four-mile hike that would gain 3,000 feet, but since none of us had ever done it, it was difficult to judge how close we were along the way. After crossing water and hiking next to a meadow for a while, we entered a narrow trail through a grove of Aspens. It began to get tougher, longer and though it was beautiful, it was a little harder to enjoy with less oxygen.
We talked off and on, but the longer we went, the more silent it became. I began to wonder what the other three were thinking and then began to think about the journey the four of us have been on for a while together. When Brandon and I moved our family into Josh and Shauna's home, we definitely had expectations for what was next in our life, but not necessarily for this 'stop' on the way. We were (and are) beyond grateful for their generosity and the sacrifice of opening up their home to us, but there was no way to anticipate what we would gain, which has already exceeded our non-existent expectations.
There was no way to know that during the time that we were here together, we would all experience some of the toughest times we ever have. In our marriages, within our own individual struggles, in parenting and in relationships with family. We had no idea we would need one another the way we have. We did not realize that this 'stop along the way' was really full of purpose and God's perfect timing, in a way we never could have imagined. This really has been one of those moments that you recognize that the journey is actually the destination.
As the hike got harder, we would stop along the way to rest, make sure everyone was ok and would frequently change positions in the order in which we were making our way to the lake. There were many different kinds of terrain to maneuver, including dirt covered with Aspen leaves, large rocks, smaller gravel, trees that had fallen across the trail, and ALL of it was uphill.
The one constant that has remained, other than the obvious constance of God's presence, has been our dependence on each other. We have made ourselves available, encouraged, provided accountability, advice and always pointed each other to Christ. We have each taken our turn to lead by initiating tough conversations or follow by simply offering a listening ear.
God has gifted each of us in unique ways. Josh has an innate sense of direction, a great ability to navigate situations and read people and a strong, confidence that can lead and figure out a way. Shauna is strong, recognizes her weaknesses and dives right into working on them without fear, and is disciplined in health, studying God's Word and prioritizes her husband and son, with a deep desire to serve them. Brandon has such a sense of discernment, compassion for people and passion for truth to be exposed and shared. I just want everyone to get along and love each other, and I'm determined to see and help others see that no matter what happens, we must keep going. These unique areas of gifting have come into play on this 5-hour journey, as well as the 8-month journey. We compliment each other and help the others see a fresh perspective that isn't always easy, but it's definitely worth it.
As we continued along the path, I suddenly knew that this part of our journey together will be coming to an end soon. I don't know how it will come about or the day or hour, but I know that it's coming, and it is almost unbearably sad. As we were hiking (myself panting) up the trail, tears began to roll down my cheeks as I came to the realization that we will not get to have this amazing opportunity to be so geographically close forever, not even for much longer.
Finally, after 2 hours and 45 minutes, we arrived to what I can only describe as an other-worldly paradise. Crystal Lake was absolutely still and provided a perfect reflection of the beauty encompassing it. Not another soul in sight and only the sounds of wildlife kept us company. There was an island in the middle of the lake that looked like it was right out of a storybook. We sat at the picnic table to devour our food and then spent some time exploring, relaxing and just taking it all in. Brandon laid on the table and took a nap, Shauna took off her shoes and put her feet in the water, Josh took pictures and I walked around trying to decide what I would do if I encountered any huge wildlife. It was the epitome of escape, if only for a little while. Then, it was time to leave. The clouds were rolling in and the thunder was getting louder, and we knew we had to start back down. After a couple of group pictures, we begrudgingly gathered our stuff and began to make our way back. Out of this utopia and back to reality (as 'real' as Lake City feels anyway). We commented on how hard it was to leave such a beautiful place and then like a switch went off, our mindset changed. We had reached the destination, the high, and the direction our thoughts now took were about what time it was, how long it would take us to get back, would we get caught in rain? The BIG unknown of the journey was over and now it was just finishing what was left. We did encounter some rain, but most of it was shielded by trees. We also fought crazy swarms of mosquitos, to the point where Shauna and I looked like our arms had transformed into propellors and it's a miracle we made it down without losing our balance and getting seriously injured.
Once we made it down, there was a great sense of accomplishment, a satisfaction in the discovery of something new and majestic and an irreplaceable memory that symbolized, in a nutshell, what an incredible journey we have been on together. We are a family, and we will make so many more memories in the future. We will go through lots of ups and downs, mountain-top experiences and valley lows. But there will never be another day or another hike exactly like that one. When I think back to the night before, I was seriously contemplating not going. I had mosquito bites that were making me miserable and just didn't feel up to it. How sad it would have been to miss it! It reminded me of how Satan strives to distract us and redirect us from the journeys God would have us take. Although it may seem difficult or even impossible when you're standing at the bottom and looking up, the tougher the task, the greater the reward.
