Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Cheryl Boardman
Monday, November 27, 2023
I happened to be at this park with a friend, which is a good thing, because I didn’t really know where I was going. I knew the trail led down to the beach but coming back up, as you can see, there was more than one way to go. One way went down in a different direction (and did it go up again?) and one went straight up. Did they both wind up at the trailhead?
It depends on how much attention you are paying to your route as to how likely you are to get lost. It might also be beneficial to have at least looked at a trail map before you set out or have one with you or at least have a cell phone with access to good reception and a working cell phone battery.
We still hear news items about people going missing on what should have been a simple loop trail. Some are just not prepared for the weather, or the trail or perhaps there was an injury, dehydration or hunger. Some people are by themselves and some haven’t told anyone where they are going.
Psalm 119 talks about how we should live our lives:
You’re blessed when you stay on course,
walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
don’t ever walk off and leave me.
Psalm 119:1-8 (The Message)