Keep Walking

The other day, I went on my very first hike—at a place called Sloan Gorge Preserve in Woodstock. It’s a beautiful trail, carved between moss-covered rocks and old bluestone walls. The trees rise high above you, and at times it feels like stepping into another world—peaceful, ancient, almost sacred.

I was alone, inexperienced, and honestly, a little nervous. At the beginning, I noticed small yellow trail markers painted on the trees, which became my guide. I learned quickly that as long as I kept my eyes on those yellow signs, I was on the right path.

Isn’t that like our walk with God? He gives us signs—little reminders in Scripture, in prayer, in the people around us—that tell us, “Stay the course. Don’t wander off. I’m with you.”

But after a while, the trail started to change. The gorge narrowed. The trees grew thicker. The sounds of the world faded until it was just me, the rustling leaves, and the sound of my own steps. For a moment, I started to worry. What if I’m lost? What if I took the wrong turn? What if this path doesn’t lead back?

You know, life can feel that way sometimes. You start out excited—full of vision and strength—but then come the seasons when the woods feel deep, the light grows dim, and no one seems to be around. You pray, but heaven feels quiet. You move forward, but it’s hard to see the end.

Then—out of nowhere—I saw someone coming down the path toward me. He smiled as we passed, and I asked, “Is the parking near?” He said, “You’re halfway there.” I didn’t know if this trail was a loop, so I asked, “Is it a loop?” He smiled again and said, “Yes.”

I can’t describe the relief I felt at those words: You’re halfway there. I wasn’t lost. I wasn’t off course. Some of you today need to hear those same words: You’re halfway there. You’re not lost. You haven’t wasted your time. God hasn’t brought you this far to leave you now.

So, when you feel lost or tired, don’t give up. Keep walking. Keep trusting. Keep your eyes on the signs. You’re halfway there, and the best part of the journey is still ahead.