Discovering Our Stride: Lessons from the Trail

In the early days of serving as a congregational pastor, when the pressures of expectations and the desire to be all things to all people was so heavy, I found a deep connection to my humanity on the hiking trails. In so many moments when I've felt lost or overwhelmed, it is often on a trail that I’ve come home to myself.

Two simple refrains have come to me again and again when I’m hiking. The first is a gentle reminder: "I can only go as fast as my feet carry me." In a world that is always demanding more from us, we are easily pushed to our limits. It can feel like the world will keep taking from us. We each have our own pace, and that pace can vary depending on the moment. On the trail, hikers who attempt to rush risk injury. The same is true in our everyday lives. When we push ourselves beyond our limits, we risk burnout. When life's path becomes challenging, we have to slow down and pay careful attention to where we place our feet.

The second refrain is equally important: "I am capable of incredible things." In August, my husband and I spent time exploring Glacier National Park. We tackled the Grinnell Glacier hike, a 10-mile journey with an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet. For me, this was a tough hike. But with a steady and deliberate pace, I reached the glacier's edge. When we put one foot in front of the other, over and over again, we have the opportunity to discover the bold and courageous parts of our human spirit. 

Hiking is so much more than something I enjoy. On the trail, I am reminded that our shared humanity means acknowledging our individual paces and the untapped potential that lives within each of us.

I hope that you find a way to step on a trail soon, discovering the rich lessons waiting for you. Remember to be gentle with yourself; you have your own unique pace. And while your out there, be sure to take plenty of time to celebrate your incredible potential.