Trail Guide

Keep climbing: On the White Oak Trail in Lost River State Park, West Virginia

I have been tumbling through autumn, and it’s time to slow my roll.

The busyness has not been bad: a two-week visit to French Polynesia, the resumption of our Tuesday night Bible study group, a trip to Pennsylvania’s Amish country, and baking for a church festival amid our day-to-day obligations. And we have one more journey on our schedule this month, a trip to visit Younger Son, his wife, and their children in Georgia.

I’m aware that for some a hectic season for Mr. Pettit and me looks no more daunting than any given three- or four-week period. But busy is in the eye of the beholder.

My website’s home page implores my readers to “Savor the moment.” But my attention span shortens and my focus weakens as my “to do” list lengthens. I’m anticipating the next task as I work on the current one, and my mind whirls and swirls with accusations about time-management and lack of discipline.

I don’t savor moments. I dash through them.

Last week, Mr. Pettit and I agreed to set aside a day to enjoy the fall foliage in West Virginia’s Lost River State Park. I wanted to go, but at the same time I thought about the writing and the cleaning I could be doing instead.

But God, the Great Physician, knew I needed this balm for my soul.

The view from Cranny Crow Overlook, Lost River State Park, West Virginia

We hiked the White Oak Trail to the Cranny Crow Overlook. It’s a three-mile trek, considered moderately difficult due to its elevation gain and switchbacks. The trail’s use by those on horseback presents an additional challenge. We saw no horses, only evidence of their presence. Plenty of evidence.

When we hike, my brain, ever processing, slows its churning and I am almost completely in the moment.

Set one pole here and the other there to clamber over these roots. Breathe. Keep moving until the next level switchback. Stop and look at the view behind you. Watch your step. Stop and look ahead. Breathe. Keep moving. How much farther to the top? Breathe. Watch your step. Keep moving. Stop. Look around.

When we finally emerged at the top of the mountain, the view from the overlook made every bit of huffing and puffing worth it. Mountains layered upon mountains, orange and red and yellow leaves painting their sides, colors that my eye can see but my camera can’t fully capture.

Oh, God, You did a good day’s work here.

And thank You for the work You do in my life, moment by moment and day by day. Please continue to guide me on the trail, especially when I pretend I know where I should go. Keep me in Your footprints, step by step.

Move. Take one step at a time. Watch out for hazards along the path. Breathe. Do the next right thing. Stop. Breathe. Look back. Look ahead. Look up. To Me.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 (ESV)

Enjoying one of West Virginia’s iconic “Almost Heaven” swings at Cranny Crow Overlook, Lost River State Park