It’s always interesting to wonder why one embarks on these types of treks? Is it the love of the outdoors, yes! Is it to get closer to the Lord, by all means, indeed it is. Or is it just to get away from the everyday humdrum of life, the same ole’ same ole’, a resounding heck yeah! But when we do something like leave all the comforts of home behind, there are apparent risks. There’s no Doctor nearby, no pharmacy to fill my prescription, if I had ones to be filled. There’s the risk of leaving my loved ones behind, my daughter and grandson’s, my friends and church, my incredibly sweetheart of a dog, Zoey! Honestly, these are my biggest heartbreaks. Fortunately for this go-around, my partner in crime, my incredible husband George, will be accompanying me.

Yet, there is the risk of just walking away from life as I know it. My lovely home, my scrumptious garden, my Temper-Pedic Mattress! Let’s be real. I love my bed and my big soaking bathtub.

But, more than all the creature comforts of home, I have this unstoppable love-affair with walking or hiking, whatever it may be. Feeling the wind upon my face, the sun above my head, the beads of sweat rolling down my brow and the sound of my labored breath which makes me feel alive! Rain or shine, clouds or sun, sleet or snow, is always better than stagnant air, any day of the week!

As I prepare for the latest round of Kellyhikes4God, I read this beautiful and poignant poem that I must share. It made me consider my true desires and passions, and the non-negotiable risks of life!

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool; To weep is to risk being called sentimental.

To reach out to another is to risk involvement; To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self

To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss; To love is to risk not being loved in return

To live is to risk dying; To try is to risk failure.

Chained by their servitude, they are slaves who have forfeited all freedom. Only a person who risks is truly free.

But risks must be taken; Because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

So in the end, I may take a risk or two. But only because my sweet Lord is with me. Trusting that when I am following His lead, life is worth taking a few risks, and with that, my tank is filled.

”For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.“
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬