On Being Strong-Willed

 I know what you are thinking about.  What is going on with me?  I wish I could tell you.  My life is currently like hiking to Tom's Thumb. I know some of you have no idea what I'm talking about.  I will explain.  Glenda asked me to hike with her and she picked Tom's Thumb.  I didn't flinch when I a saw on All Trails that it was a hard trail.   I packed my water pack and brought my hiking sticks.  I began to climb the flat up and down that was the first part of the trail.  Then, came some pretty steep switchbacks.  How did I do it?  I rested after each switch.  Glenda didn't seem to mind that I needed to take my breath.  We got to the first scenic view and then there was an evening out for a bit.  There were about five different scenic views.  At the each of them I asked Glenda if we were at the thumb.  It seemed longer because I had no idea how long it would take me.  It was so much longer than I thought it would be.  And man, it was not an easy hike.  My life was just like that hike.  I know that I am going to get there but it's taking me longer than I expected. 

You should know that it was glorious up by that thumb.  It was beautiful and I want to believe it was worth it.  When we got to the top, Glenda and I ate almonds and cracked jokes as we looked out over the city of Scottsdale.  I cracked jokes and I knew that I was going to feel it the next day.  Going back down was way easier.  Isn't that the way with the return trip?  I passed landmarks and I understood each scenic view that I passed.  When I sat down in the car, I'm going to tell you that my legs were like butter.  Glenda bought me dinner.  I had to call my son to help me get out of the car.  My children laughed as they talked about it today. 

I have switchbacks ahead of me and I am resting as I climb.  I haven't gotten there yet but I am climbing.  It's just longer than I thought it would be.  I may be exhausted by the time that I get to the end but I know that I won't stop until I am done.  Ask Glenda.  She will tell you that I won't stop till I get to the end.  May I always be this strong-willed.  Praise the Lord!!!