New Beginnings

Let's take a hike, shall we? Let's take a hike on a trail we have never hiked before. It is a hike, however, that we have heard is very beautiful. There are beautiful vistas and an incredible waterfall at the end.. Let's pack up the pack -- but bring only the essentials. We don't need to pack extra weight. We may need to leave a few things behind. We want to lighten the load.

The first step is in a new direction. That is the reality of taking a hike. You cannot go someplace new and remain where you are at. With each step you take you get farther and farther down the road. It is not necessarily easy. You may even need a little coaxing. You might be tempted to turn around. But don't give in too easily. We're here for each other, o.k.? You encourage me. I'll encourage you. Maybe there will be others on the trail, too, urging us on. "Its worth it," they say.

Allow me a little metaphor, o.k.? I think it is time for a new beginning. I think it is time to take a hike. I think you will be blessed by a change of scenery. I am not talking about running away or throwing in the towel. I am especially not talking about going off by yourself. Not at all. But I am talking about starting over. Getting a fresh start. Forgiving yourself. Giving yourself permission to be you. Taking your own time. Doing it your own way. Not in a selfish way. Not in a reckless way, either. But also not in a way that is burdened and weighed down with the expectations of others, or what you have been led to believe everyone else -- even God -- expects of you.

I recently went on a hike with someone I love. We didn't finish the trail, per se. But we did come to a great destination: We sat down on a log in the woods, ate a sandwich, and had a glass of wine in the pouring rain. It was awesome. It was better than a mountain vista or a waterfall -- and I loved both of those immensely. We were together. We were not consumed by life's concerns or problems. We were not consumed by judgements and unmet expectations.

What I envision for our hike is a pack that is filled with only the essentials...no heartaches from last year...no pent up angers....no disappointments.....no burdens and judgements of what you should have done, or should not have done. I want to say something gently -- not in any official or superior way. Just as a friend. As someone who loves you. Someone who cares for you. Someone who would gladly carry your pack for a while. You are forgiven -- not in the sense that you have done something wrong. But in the sense that I care about you. You are a blessing to me. You make a difference in my life. I would not want you any other way.

You are a good husband. You are a good wife. You are a good parent. You are a good child. You are a great member of the church. You are a great student. You are a good member of the team. You make the band sound better. You make a difference in other people's lives. You do. You make a difference in my life. I like who you are. I like that you are on the trail with me.

I like it when you carry my load. Today, I would like to carry your load. I would gently, humbly, graciously like to help you to put some things behind you and to press on toward what is ahead of you. We may need to stop and rest a bit. We may need to sit down and cry. That's o.k. I am up to it. You may want me to listen. But if you will allow me, I would like never to go away. I would like to stay roped up with you. I would like to finish the journey together.

If you will allow me to be close, I was wondering....

• What is your biggest goal in life right now and how can I help you with that?
• What are your greatest satisfactions?
• What would you like to do before you die?
• What do you think is your greatest purpose?
• Tell me about a dream you are having?
• In what way can I be a better friend?

I love you -- and I am trying to learn to listen.

Jeff on the mountain.