Push toward the prize

I went to Northwest Georgia and ran in the mountains of a state park. The break of dawn run started out a bit chilly. I found a trail I hadn’t been on before and made tracks. Several marked trails intersected along the way. I stayed on the main path until I came to a fork of sorts. To my dismay the main trail had a severe incline, so I opted for the easier path to the right. After I took the turn I gave my choice some thought. I recalled as a younger man I would have wanted to conquer the mountain.

A few minutes later the path of least resistance emptied into a parking lot. I had no option but to turn back to whence I had come. When I found myself back at the fork, I jogged in place and thought about surging upwards. I checked my watch, plenty of time had passed. I really didn’t have the spirit for an uphill push, not this morning. I turned to head back to the car. Then, impulsively, I spun back around and began my ascent. I moved slowly, certainly slower than I would have in years past. I did not attack the mountain. I headed up gradually and steadily.

After a mile or so, I arrived at a slight plateau, with still much mountain to climb. Breathing heavily and feeling tired, I looked back down. I longed just to take the easy way back, but I had started this stupid undertaking, so I decided to give it at least a few more minutes. Three quarters of a mile or so brought me around a bend in the trail and in the opening ahead I saw a glimpse of a water fall. I love water. I especially love to run close to water. I picked up the pace and hustled toward the beautiful cascading vision on my horizon.

I forgot about my breathing, my aching. I forgot about the time. I raced to the waterfall. The sounds, smells and sight of it inspired me. It strengthened me. It engulfed me. I called out to God as I drew closer. I praised God for the astonishing creation. I thanked God for the ability to acknowledge and appreciate this natural wonder. I thanked God that I had pressed onward and upward to receive this gift of Creation.

Closer and closer, I found the sight to be more fantastic to behold than I had imagined. The falling water formed a teal green pool of pure radiance. A walkway had been built traversing behind the spray of water, and it gave view to caves. Oh, what a sight! Oh, the moment. I blessed and praised God and ran in place for some time, enjoying and embracing moment of grace, the moment of joy.

Like a boulder crashing down from high above, I realized that had I not endured the extra effort, I would not have found this precious place. Had I pushed too hard running uphill, I might not have made it to this place of peace, this place of personal and spiritual epiphany.

I saw much. I heard much. I learned about life. I listened. I prayed.

Tom