Walk Uphill (by Judy)

A friend’s brother has begun training for an ultramarathon. Though there appears to be no standard length for such a test of endurance, it seems agreed that it is anything longer than a marathon (26.2 miles). Even contemplating such a challenge makes me gasp for breath and have wobbly knees. I asked my friend how his brother could possibly get through, and my friend’s answer was succinct – “Walk up hill.”

That sage counsel took me back a couple of weeks when I joined my hiking group in Sedona for our 15^th spring break adventure. Though we five are older of course, we praise God every year for the continuing gift of good health, eager anticipation, and enough cash in our accounts to cover the annual cost. That is, until we were several hours into our first hike. Spirits flagged on this first outing of the trip, which turned out to be a 10-miler over rock-strewn paths and a steady ascents and descents and shrinking water supplies. The car park seemed an infinite distance away. We even considered the possibility that our hiking days were over.

Shame on us! At least on me!! Had I so quickly forgotten my favorite verse in the Bible - a promise from my Father? But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. I forgot about waiting upon the Lord, and about walking uphill, one step at a time.

In today’s Plain Dealer, thoughtful columnist Regina Brett said it another way: “The headlights on my car shine 350 feet, but even with that much light, I can travel all the way to California. I need to see only enough light to get moving.” That reminds me of another Bible verse, one I learned as a child in the King James version: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Nuf said. I am ready to join my friends next spring break, (as my earthly father always said), “God willing and the creek don’t rise!”