Sunday, October 5, 2008

Crabtree Falls



This past weekend I had the opportunity to go on a camping trip. My oldest daughter is in the youth group at our new church and they were going to Crabtree Falls for a 3 day-2 night camping trip. The problem was that they had had close to 20 girls and only 1 female chaperone! The rest were Men and boys so they were fine. I made the decision to go with them and help to chaperone the girls.

It was a wonderful weekend in the mountains of Virginia, but it was cold! I believe the temperature was in the upper 30's the first night and in the lower 40's the second night, bbbrrrr!!

The challenge for me was the day that we decided to climb Crabtree Falls. It was a two hour hike UP the mountain and a one hour hike back down. I happen to be quite out of shape right now and I knew that this was going to challenge me and it did.

I made the decision that I would climb all the way to the top of this mountain, no matter what! Apparently, this is the tallest water fall east of the Mississippi river. The interesting part of the falls was that it was like steps, it came down in different tiers. I took pictures of the different tiers as I climbed up, any excuse to stop and rest.

The bulk of the group flew up the mountain in record time (probably not even looking at the scenery!). There were four of us who were slower and we were called the caboose of the group. I will tell you that I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. My heart was pounding so hard in my chest and the air was so thin there! I was drenched with sweat and I was dizzy at times, but because I had 3 others with me we encouraged one another and I/we pressed on toward the mark.

Finally, we made it to the top of the falls. I was so proud of myself! I had set a difficult goal and I had obtained it, even though it was difficult, painful, and I wanted to quit.
Here is a picture of my daughter and I at the top of the mountain. Victory is so sweet, when the journey to get it is met with difficulties. As I floated down the mountain, I was on cloud 9! I felt like I had accomplished great things on that day. I felt like I could do anything.

I wonder if this is why God allows us to encounter trials along the way? 1Peter 1:6-7 says: On that day you will be glad, even if you have to go through many hard trials for a while. Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns.

If you are going through a difficult trial right now, be encouraged the victory will be worth it if you don't quit, just press on toward the goal!

11 comments:

Kelly said...

What an inspirational journey. I'm proud that you didn't give up! And like you we should press on toward the goal!

Congratulations. I hope you both, and all your church friends, had a wonderful weekend away.

sailorcross said...

The falls are just beautiful!! I'm so glad you didn't give up and made it to the top!

Thank you for encouraging this morning as I am going through some difficult times. But, God has gathered my spiritual family around me. Prayer is the answer here--and only prayer, as we continue to press on towards the goal--always keeping our eyes on Jesus as the prize!

I'm glad you had a wonderful weekend away!

Beth

Bonita said...

Gosh, I was tired just reading about it. What a sweet victory for you!

The last time I hiked up a mountain was at Chimney Rock years ago. A snake slithered over my foot, a deer jumped out of the woods beside me, and I fell and nearly busted my tail bone. Mountain hiking isn't easy is it?

Sharon said...

Amen, What a greatttt post!! Such a challenge too, I have to admit I was feeling a bit pooped out as well, when you finally got to the top. But look at that smile on your face, You Conquered!!!!! Amen.
Yes I can relate to your challenge, a different situation, but I am still climbing, and I'll let you know when I am on top!!
Thanks for sharing such beauty!
Blessings & have a fantastic week
Sharon
You have a beautiful daughter as well.

Edie said...

Yay for you Sonya! God does give us others in our journey to encourage us to keep going even when it gets hard. What a great example of that.

On Purpose said...

Beautiful Scripture!

Anonymous said...

Mom, thank you so much for going camping with me. I had SO much fun!

Love ya
~Brittany~

Cheryl Barker said...

Congrats, Sonya, on making it up the mountain! Reminded me of a time we hiked in Colorado. I love to hike, but the alitude got to me (14,000 ft!). I had such a bad headache I didn't know if I could make it, but like you, I kept pressing on. Sure was easier coming down!

Pat said...

Sonya,
Thank you so much sweet sister for your support and kind words for "Surrendering the Secret". I am blessed and grateful.
Pat Layton

Pennies In My Pocket said...

AAAAAAAAAAAMEN. This is a wonderful post. I've been through some difficult trials ... ones that I could never imagine being thankful for later. The latest one was when my baby was 9 weeks early and spent 7 weeks in the NICU. It tore me up...beyond words. Now 16 months later, I am AMAZED by what the Lord did with that situation and CONTINUES to do. We are SO blessed by it and my little girl has an AMAZING testimony.

Another thought to add to your struggle to reach the top...it made you slow down. Allowed you to take your time, lean on others and notice things (scenery) that you may have never noticed. When you take things slowly, you remember them more....then you can share them with others.

Love this post.

~melody~

Oh and thank you for your awesome comment on my confession post. :)

Kathy Schwanke said...

Way to go!!! The falls look beautiful! Congrats on your endurance of the cold too!!