In July of 2016 I took my first trip to the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I remember the first time I saw them in person. It felt like a dream. Seeing something so big and beautiful really put life into perspective for me. Some people are beach people, but I learned that day that I was 100% a mountain girl. This trip was the Tomes family vacation and every year we visit Colorado, we always plan for a big hike day. Sometimes it takes a mountain.

My first big hike was to Sky Pond in the Rockies. I remember the start of the hike was SO challenging. The first mile or 2 we were going straight up. I was not prepared to climb up what felt like 1000 flights of stairs.  My legs felt like they were going to fall off, but it didn’t end there. Some moments during the hike were great because it would even out, and it was the best feeling. I felt like my legs got a break and I could breathe. We also made sure to stop along the way to fuel our bodies with water and a snack to help us keep going.

Right before we got to Sky Pond, we came to a waterfall and a huge formation of rocks that sat by the waterfall. It was very steep and was partially wet from the water. Looking at it, it was quite intimidating. Climbing it would finally get us to our destination. I made sure my shoes were secure and started to climb. Climbing the rocks were tricky, since they were very slick from the water, but I had the perfect shoes on to make it up safely.

I did it.

I made it to the top.

It was one of the best feelings of my life. Every difficult step I took to be able to experience this moment was worth it.

It’s crazy how God can use little moments in my life to remind me of Him and his love for me. It was a humbling experience in more ways than one.

I was reminded how even though life gets difficult, and we feel like giving up, God’s there to lead us every step of the way. We go through challenges in life that seem difficult to get through. In those moments it’s up to us to stop and take time to turn to God. When faced with circumstances that are out of your control, stop and take a breather. Use those moments to get in the Word and ask God to equip you for the challenges ahead.

When hiking that mountain, I was unsure what to expect, but I stayed persistent. I stayed the path and made sure to take the breaks I needed to make it to the top.

Life is going to be full of moments like these. Whether that is losing a job, shattered relationships, or your car breaks down. You can never truly be prepared or know what to expect, but what you can do is strengthen your relationship with Christ and put your trust in him when these things happen. God already knows your path, and he already knows what will happen in your life. Take time in your day to refocus your eyes on God and stay in his Word.

He will equip you for the journey ahead.

Stay faithful and stay the course.

Sometimes it takes a mountain to remind you that even in our personal lives we need to stop and refuel our minds with God’s truth to make it through the daily challenges of life.