Epiphanies have been abounding for me these days. This past week I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to California. My meetings were held close enough to Yosemite National Park that I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit one of the national parks on my bucket list.
It’s an amazing national park with views and hiking trails to reach some of those views. One of the hikes our entire family did was to Vernal Falls. 
This hike is not for the faint of heart. Many people gave up before reaching the actual waterfall. I was almost one of those people.
Even though I run most days of the week, this trail was a tough uphill climb. Once our family reach the bridge that crosses the river created by the waterfall, we figured we’d reach the top, only to realize we were two-thirds of the way up to the viewing area. My kids, all three of them voted to quit. We were hot, tired, a little hungry and our Camelbacks were quickly running on empty, kind of like my quad muscles.
My husband suggested we sit in the shade, eat the granola bars and dried fruit in our packs while sipping on the last of our water. After taking the break, my husband encouraged us to go on with the hike. He asked me, “When will we ever be in this place again? Don’t you want to see this to the end?”
He isn’t one to request things after a family vote goes in one direction, which was to go back down, so we picked ourselves up, dusted off as much dirt as we could and continued our ascent.
Oh, there were times where I told myself I couldn’t do it. It would be easier to give up. If I’ve see one waterfall, I’ve seen them all, right? I realized when I round the corner of the last set of stone steps, all the excuses faded away and I marveled as the refreshingly cool spray of the waterfall hit my face when the wind blew in the right direction.
As I took in the sight of Vernal Falls, the calling I feel God has placed on my life became a metaphor for this hike. I’m struggling with what I believe God is calling me to do while still keeping my day job to pay the bills. The uphill portion of pursuing my calling is in my full force. My muscles are burning, breathing deeply is a challenge, and sweat from too much exertion is dripping down my back but when I’m working on what God has placed on my heart, I feel a sense of peace and satisfaction. Mostly, I feel alive. It’s as if my heart has been set free and my soul is being nourished. According to the Bible “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 NLT
In contrast, when I’m making excuses or allowing fear to put aside my calling, I get discouraged, depressed even because I’m not doing what God created me to do. Is there something you believe God is calling you to do? Share it in the comments below so our community can encourage you!
Thanks, Kris! This reminds me that when I make a decision to follow Him, I get further away from vacillating back and forth or the justifying discussion! I just do it– scared! :o) Your coaching has helped me practice this!!
I’m so happy our coaching sessions have helped you pursue your calling! Here’s to doing it, whatever it is, scared, but knowing God will guide us and catch us when we stumble! 😉