One purposeful hiker
trekked across the clearly marked path of low elevation.
The weather cooperated this early morning as the sun began to rise.
He traveled without companions and viewed no other hikers. Dew slowly melted into the thick grass
and the temperature began its meager ascent. He knew this would be temporary. As he
crossed a gentle river, the hiker glanced across his shoulder at the lush rolling hills. He appreciated
his first mile and envisioned more to come. A small heard of elk looked up from their graze as if to say
"so long for now."
Nearly
an hour passed as the green lands fed into the dense forest. The simple journey was about to present more
challenging obstacles. No longer would he see far away places; he brushed shoulders against the tall evergreens
and thick timbers. Although he recognized the chipping of a nearby woodpecker, nature's other spontaneous
melodies raised his curiosities. He found it difficult to see the native inhabitants. His
senses debated a certain contradiction; the beauty of nature coexisted comfortably with the terror of isolation.
With the increased elevation and numerous
switch backs, the path challenged his endurance and stamina. The trees became shorter and the air a little
thinner. The gradual transition from one climate to another allowed his body and mind to acclimate, but
not enough for full confidence. Almost two hours passed as he finally emerged from the forest to hike above
the tree line. He approached an elevation of approximately 11,000 feet above sea level.
He paused for a few moments
to drink his water and recuperate. During his much needed rest, a cold breeze reminded the hiker of his
proposed destination. The breath of the mountains did not last long; just a brief whip of artic air across
his face. It was a message to continue and a message of warning. The weather would
eventually test his hiking skills, but his diligence would assist him in his journey to the top. The solitary
hiker turned his attention to the new climate and the forthcoming alpine tundra.
Once he clearly ascended above tree line, he noticed a heard of big horn sheep
parading across the nearby cliffs. The animals effortlessly scaled the jagged rocks and gave the hiker
reassurance he could successfully travel toward his goal. He finally reached a point where a sign warned
"Unmaintaned Trail." He pressed on to the summit.
Along the way, he came across numerous cairns. The piles of
rocks acted as landmarks for the men and women eager to hike to the top of the mountain. The cairns ranged
in sizes and shapes, but all provided key indicators on the barren terrain. As customary with hikers, he
grabbed small rocks and added to each structure. The harsh mountain climate tends to deteriorate cairns;
therefore each passerby typically contributes to the unending construction.
In life, we may successfully summit to one peak and then another. With
one journey accomplished, another goal presents itself. Hardships and joys cycle in and out of our lives and we
must adapt.
When it comes to your
pursuit for happiness and content, where will the journey take you? How will the path of life remember
you? Are you building cairns for yourself and for others? Will you add to the
cairns of life to benefit friends and strangers?
During the adventure of your existence, the path you take today significantly
impacts your future and the future of others. Be influential!
We pause,
if just for a moment, to experience the breath of another, the jubilance of an event, the misery of tragedy. The
influence of such engraves our lives forever. When we share the moment, we chance to create enlightenment
for others. Thank you for sharing the most influential person or event in your life.
