It was a Saturday morning, 7 am to be exact and I got a call from a friend asking if I wanted to go on an adventure. I found myself in the passenger seat of my friend's truck driving through the forest in a matter of minutes. We were just exploring the area when someone yelled out a suggestion about visiting a national forest in the area that has a huge bridge made from rock. I looked down at my shoes which were an old pair of loafers and back at my friend as he stated "I've always wanted to go there!" with the awe in his eyes and the excitement in his voice, I couldn't help but forget about what kind of shoes I was wearing and I wholeheartedly agreed.
We roll up to the parking lot and start to hike to this bridge. 0.3 miles into the hike and I already hate that I have no grip. I enjoyed the challenge even though it was more like butt scooting and slipping off rocks instead of hiking. After, the hike to this bridge I found myself just standing and staring at this hole. It was still a bridge, but not what I had pictured it to be. After, taking in all the beauty I realized part of the rock people could climb up and over and through the hole. I made my way to the entrance and there were two men in front of me. I waited as they slid down because if you lost balance you could fall into the small pond that was at the bottom.
It had been a few minutes and the man at the bottom was getting the assistance of his friend and I decided it was my turn. I start to climb down this rock, and start slipping, the loafers made sure-stopping was not obtainable. Next thing you know I run right into the man that was at the bottom. See, I did not just run into him, I had somehow managed to wrap my legs around this man as he was standing up and found myself getting an awkward piggyback ride from a stranger. I continued to struggle and the man's friend held his hand out and my stubborn self-refused to take the assistance, as I realized I couldn't get out of this one and feeling completely embarrassed, I took the hand. I finally had both feet on the ground and profusely apologized for the dilemma I had just created. They were very understanding and just grateful I did not fall into the pond and proceeded to comment on my choice of footwear.
Deciding to leave we made our way out of the forest. I reflected on what just occurred. I realized that I put on this front that I can do it, I don't need help, I want to achieve it on my own. This stems from the thought that I would rather struggle with my issues than burden someone else with my problems. I felt convicted at this moment. Did I forget who was the King of the world? Who created me? Who wants a relationship with me? God is reaching out His hand asking me to talk to him, to give him my burdens, to let go and let him. I cannot do everything on my own and I need Jesus every single day for the rest of my life. God did not just create me and leave me to figure it out. Which is just another reminder that friendships are a true blessing and even the kindness of complete strangers is just who God uses to teach us about his character and just how much He loves us. He will never leave us or see us as a burden, in fact, he wants to carry our burdens for us. On that note, next time you go hiking 10/10 do not recommend wearing loafers.
