Trails

I am blessed, indeed, to live in a part of the country that shows off its splendor through nature. Part of the beauty is the innumerable hiking trails. Some trails lead you to little gems tucked away where the adventurous have the pleasure of witnessing. Others test your willpower by humbling you a bit as you make your way up to breathtaking scenic vantage points. And there are those that call for a leisurely stroll. As you might imagine, there’s a trail for everyone.

And when I think of these trails, I’m also reminded of harrowing trails. Trails of hardship. Trails that few want to roam. The trails that can bring you to your knees. The ones that produce a trail of tears cascading down your face.

But know this, there is beauty in those trails, as well. They are showing you and the world a glimpse behind the curtain of your pain, fear, sadness, frustration, anger. They are showing you and the world your truth. And that awareness can be a starting point - moving forward on an alternative path, a different trail, whenever you are ready to begin that journey.