Last summer my husband and I had the privilege to spend some time together in the Pocono Mountains. We went hiking at a place called Bushkill Falls. The sounds surrounding were both soothing and invigorating. The scenery was picturesque. Most of the trail leading around the rushing falls was built up with countless pieces of chopped wood, painstakingly aligned together, creating steps, guardrails, walkways and bridges. Pieces were placed to elevate the hiker off the slippery ground below and ease the difficulty of the hike.
As my husband and I hiked the trail I took many pictures. One of my favorites was a picture where all you see is his hand holding mine and our feet on the trail. About half-way into our hike something caught my eye. In the middle of the forest was a large tree that had broken and fallen under its own weight. It was resting on the branches of the trees around it. Though it had broken, it never hit the ground. The surrounding trees were standing firm and bearing its weight. I took its picture because God used it to show me the importance of friends.
When my husband has to leave for long periods of time there is a continuous rushing of noise, agendas, and time. My patience, ability and emotions are slippery ground. The weight of my responsibilities becomes heavy. In the midst of it all I remember that trail. I know God has led me to the rushing waters. I have faith that He will continue to elevate me above my own patience, ability and emotions to a place of peace where I can enjoy the beauty around me. Many times He does so through friends.
I thank God for the friends He has put in my life. They keep me from falling under the weight of life. When I am at my breaking point, they hold my head up both in presence and in prayer. Their arms are like the branches of the weight-bearing trees and their prayers, like the beautiful sounds that surrounded me on that trail.
Jesus knows the trail I am on. He is walking it with me. He has perfectly placed people around me to fall on. He eases my trail and I am always in His hands, and that is what matters most.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 28:20b
