Hiking with Jeff

It’s Friday afternoon, Jeff’s home from work earlier than usual. The kids are settled and we are off. We drive to the park, lace up our shoes, grab the water bottles, and go. Walking together, our hands reach out, fingers laced in familiar fashion. Our joined hand sways, our comfort, our bond, when we walk together.
We talk of small things, things that matter, the business of the week. The trials, the turns, the unexpected delights, and the fact it is Friday, again, brings energy to our steps.
We pass hikers, runners puffing up the hill behind us, bikers racing down the slippery slope, greeting each one, thankful to be out here in woods and fresh air at week’s end.
Our travels climb up the soggy path, sticky mud gripping our trail shoes. The trail upward leads to looming clouds darkening over the treetops, gray and blue hues magically mixing on their palette in the sky.
Sit for a moment on the bench overlooking the lake to admire the beauty, the stillness, the sounds of birds and an occasional bee buzzing my ear. The lake’s level and damp earth raising hope bringing relief to gloomy thoughts of drought and despair.
The last bits of our climb bring warmth and deeper breathing. Sit to enjoy the coolness of the breeze against our backs. I say, “I’m sorry it’s been busy, fast-paced and crazy. I’m thankful for this moment with you.”
We sit longer to feel the stillness, seeing things we didn’t before, letting quiet invade us.
Ready to follow the trail onward, descending a different path. I start to feel hungry. My mind keenly focuses on bodily cravings knowing popcorn wasn’t enough an hour ago. Snickers, peanuts, chocolate milk...
t-a-c-o...b-u-r-r-i-t-o...
crunching along,
stepping the steps, singing my song,
moving water rolling down,
my mind wanders all around. . .

Stepping onto dry sections of the path, up and over, jumping across, following the rolling river down, down, down. Childhood memories of sailing sticks, leaves, and walnut shell boats down rolling streams flow through my mind. I follow single-file in narrow strips, over red and yellow tones, and lava rocks with histories untold.
Crunching earth underfoot viewing green moss covered rocks with dreadlock wisps. Gnarled oak trees reach up mighty and proud creating picturesque views against the darkening sky. I breathe scents of earth and dusk, moisture infusing gladness in my soul. Gone are the pangs of hunger. My mind is focused on the beauty. Thankful prayers for God’s design a masterpiece before me.
I balance, arms stretched out side-to-side as I scoot over a narrow ridge of dirt and water. Stepping out in front of my husband, I take the lead skipping and stepping bank to bank making him chuckle behind me. Now the path widens with water pools in sections. We come together and connect our hands to continue our walk.
I’m so thankful for this blessing, time unhurried, alone, and together. I am so thankful for God’s creation. Living the moment. I am alive!