This week’s blog is shared by Carol Musser.

Recently, I stepped into something completely outside my comfort zone – a three-day backpacking trip through World’s End State Park with four other women. I had never backpacked before, but when the invitation came, I eagerly accepted. I expected an adventure. What I didn’t expect was how much God would teach me along the trail.

Confident in my natural abilities, I assumed the journey would be difficult – but certainly manageable. The first leg of our 20.1-mile journey began with a steep ascent on Butternut Trail. I should have known it was going to be a rough start when the trail description mentioned the “stone stairs” on your way to the large boulders. Carrying a 20-pound backpack over that rugged terrain quickly pushed me to my limits. Finally, we were on level ground.  As the afternoon progressed, my lack of physical endurance became apparent, but I continued to focus on the next step, not the miles we had to go before we found our campsite.

Each step of the way required focused attention so that I would not trip or slip on loose gravel or obstacles on the trail. My friend who was following me would constantly encourage me when I made a “good catch” on stabilizing myself after a near stumble. Her continually checking in with me made me feel valued and not a liability to the rest of the group. Encouragement kept my spirits up even when I was exhausted.

Then something happened that I never expected. Without my asking, one of the women quietly offered to carry my backpack. This was surprising but welcomed as my legs were aching. Her offer to carry my pack was an extraordinary kind deed. At first, I felt a little embarrassed to accept the help, but I didn’t want to slow down the group. Her willingness to carry my pack reminded me that receiving grace can be just as humbling as extending it. At the end of the first day, it was decided to split up some items from my pack among the four of them to make my load lighter. Their solution made it possible for me to finish the hike and enjoy the journey.

Near the end of our hike, we came to a scenic overlook. As I stood there looking at God’s beautiful creation, I realized that what my friends had done on the trail was exactly what Christ calls His people to do every day. Galatians 6:2a instructs believers to “Carry each other’s burdens.”

God used the trail to teach me several important life lessons:

~ I didn’t need to ask for help; they noticed my struggle and found a solution to help.

Who do I encounter that could use some kindness or support?

We each carry “burdens,” but not all are seen. Do I notice the heaviness in others? Am I observant to “see” the person and their “struggle”? What could I do to come alongside them and make their load lighter?

~ They responded by taking on my weight without complaining or expecting anything in return. The solution was obvious: lighten my pack.

What action do I need to be ready to take when someone is struggling? Will I respond with kindness without considering the cost to me?

Personal Reflection

Notice

·        Who around me is carrying a heavy load?

·        Am I paying attention to the hidden struggles of others?

Respond

·        What practical step could I take this week?

·        Am I willing to help without counting the cost?

Receive

·        Is there a struggle I’ve been carrying alone?

·        Who has God placed in my life to help carry it?

We were never meant to carry life’s struggles alone. God designed us to walk together with our Christian brothers and sisters – sometimes carrying another person’s burden and sometimes humbly allowing them to carry ours. Who are your burden-bearers? Whose burden might God be asking you to help carry?

A few observations gleaned from the trail that apply to life:

·        A backpack gets heavier the longer you carry it.

·        Even one pound becomes noticeable after miles.

·        Hiking with others makes difficult terrain manageable.

·        A walking stick provides support, just as encouragement strengthens the weary.

·        You may not be able to remove every mountain, but you can help someone climb it.

·        Rest stops are necessary – not signs of weakness.

·        Everyone on the trail carries something different.

My hike on the Loyalsock Link Loop was truly an unforgettable experience made possible by caring friends who saw my need and helped me navigate the terrain by lightening my load.

 

Next time life leads you onto a steep climb, don’t be afraid to let someone help carry your pack. And when God gives you strength, become the person who quietly steps in to carry someone else’s.

Oh, and next time I get an invitation for a strenuous hike or adventure, I will not overlook my physical preparation, so perhaps I, too, can carry someone else’s load.

See you on the trail!