hiking – Page 2 – The Arrow Preacher

This ain’t where I parked my car!

You ever feel like you are lost, like you can’t figure out how you got to this point in your life? Sure you do, we’ve all been there sometime. We never fully know where our path is taking us, or what lurks in the darkness. In any instance in life, at any point, at any intersection we may run into Ecclesiastes 3:8 “A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” The biggest question when that time comes is how prepared are you? We all have that fight and flight response, but how we choose to handle each situation in life, pushes us to the next, then the next step. The thing about being lost is we don’t have to stay that way. As a hiker, and a camper, the fear of getting lost is always very real. Sure you try to prepare the best you can by taking rations, water, an emergency kit, a compass…. Wait, a compass? That’s right boys and girls, I said a compass. When you’re traveling anywhere in life having a good well-kept compass is the best option you could have. With a little understanding about where you are, that compass can keep you headed in the right direction, as long as you know how to use it.

God it seems had the same thing in mind for us. As we move through our lives we are raised with a basic understanding of right and wrong. We have a basic understanding of failure and success. Each of us has a code we live by. Buddhist believes in Karma or also known as what goes around comes around. It’s a cosmic balance sheet. Not a bad way to look at it. This however is not a theological debate on religion. Matthew 7:12 “ “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Now if you want to be a jerk to someone it’s easy to expect someone to be a jerk back. BUT, again that’s against the code. Matthew 5:39 “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” May not seem fair, but no one said life was easy or fair.

So the moral of this story my friends is simple. If you’re not where you thought you would be, if life isn’t treating you how you think it should, if people are mean and cruel, that’s all part of the journey. You’re not home yet, so this world isn’t where you belong. We all belong at home with our Heavenly Father. To get there you must follow the roadmap and compass He gave you. There’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the pearly gates waiting for you. If you feel like you got lost along the way, grab your compass (the Bible) and find your way North again. It’s never too late to change your direction. Just like Dorthy following that Yellow Brick Road once she stepped off she found herself in the field of poppy. Stay on the trail. Though the Goblins and Orchs will try to track you along your way, try to break your spirit, try to tempt you off the path, you must resist temptation. Just like Hansel and Grettle, don’t follow the candy “It’s a TRAP!”

Quiet Meditation

When the world’s too loud we often can’t hear the sounds of our own voice inside our head. If we cannot find our own voice, how then are we able to listen to the voice of God? We cannot walk in faith if we cannot hear the quiet. No matter the mission we need to ensure time to plan and focus.

One thing I’ve noticed in my years, is when something becomes unhealthy the affect is cumulative. Over time the affects grow and in matters of the heart, scar tissue is built. We may not see it right away, but sadly resentment grows. If someone wants us badly enough we’ll know it, and we wouldn’t have to work so hard for it. Getting affection shouldn’t be a chore, it should come freely and naturally towards the other person because we want to make our partner happy. Love although can be one way, in a relationship it has to be a two way street. When the opposite side of the bridge is broken and there isn’t any traffic flowing, it’s time to find a new bridge. Finding the alternate route is hard, but it’s ultimately what’s best. In Gods timing we will have what we need, but we need to be proactive. Stand tall, stand proud, and let others see how wonderful we are.

There comes a time however when we all must retreat into solitude. We all need a time and place to be with God. Matthew 6:6 “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” It’s important when we pray we silence the world. We must use mindfulness to quiet our inner selves, and focus on our walk. James 4:8 – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.” Never are we closer to God then when we know, absolutely certain we are doing Gods work. The closer we draw closer to the Lord then the Lord will draw closer unto us.

Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Rise early, pray, be thankful for the world and life you’ve been given.

Jesus often was known to escape into the wilderness. As for me, the thought for getting away for a little while seems enticing. Sailing the east coast, hiking the Appalacian trail, just my great Dog and me. Luke 6:12, Luke 4:42, Luke 5:15, all talk about Jesus knew the importance of silent meditation with the Father. Knowing how important it is to quiet the world, listening to your own heartbeat, listening to your own breath. Today in this world there are a ton of ideas how to do this. Yoga is a good physical and mental practice. Finding a war room for yourself to make a battle plan. What’s your battle plan?