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Life is a test, and at times, it can be incredibly challenging. This truth becomes increasingly evident as we navigate through the ups and downs of life. Dreams fade, conflicts arise, and grief can feel overwhelming.
In the face of these difficulties, giving up may seem like the easiest path to take, while quitting may appear to be the best option. However, there is another way to approach these challenges.
I recently had the opportunity to visit St Lucia, a destination known for its breathtaking landscape, particularly the majestic Pitons. These two volcanic plugs, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, stand proudly on either side of Sugar Beach and have earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their unparalleled beauty. They are truly unique in the Caribbean.
One of the adventurous activities in St Lucia is hiking Gros Piton. After conducting some online research, my wife and I decided that it would be a challenging yet worthwhile experience. Upon arrival, we were assigned a knowledgeable guide who advised us to bring enough water for the hike. Additionally, my wife rented a hiking stick for added support.
The awe-inspiring beauty of St. Lucia. (Rick McDaniel)
From the very beginning of the hike, it became evident that our expectations did not align with the actual difficulty level. The first half, which was labeled as “moderate,” proved to be rocky and arduous. And it only became more challenging as we progressed. Before reaching the midway point, my wife decided to stop and returned to the starting point together with another woman who had also chosen to pause.
Despite the increasing difficulty, I decided to continue alone. The hike transformed into a climb up steep boulders and rocks. Fatigue and shortness of breath set in, tempting me to quit. However, I refused to give up because I am not one to quit easily. I persevered through the tough terrain until I finally reached the summit. Unfortunately, the sense of exhilaration I had anticipated did not materialize.
The thought of having to climb all the way back down constantly occupied my mind. The strain on my knees, the risk of slipping, and the rising heat posed additional challenges. Upon completion of the hike, I found myself utterly exhausted, requiring ice, massage therapy, and significant stretching to recover and salvage the remainder of our trip.
It was one of the most physically demanding challenges I have ever faced. Five hours of continuous climbing, spanning over 2,600 feet. To put it into perspective, this is equivalent to conquering 160 floors, surpassing the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which has 163 floors.
In life, one thing is certain – the path we traverse will not always be easy. At times, God places us in seemingly impossible situations, testing our limits and pushing us beyond our perceived capabilities. We may find ourselves perplexed, overwhelmed, and crushed by our circumstances. The temptation to quit our job, walk away from a marriage, or abandon our plans becomes alluring.
However, if we constantly focus on what is wrong in our lives, we will fail to recognize the goodness and the potential to overcome. Settling for less than God’s best becomes a real possibility. Adversity has the power to either shatter us or shape us, to weaken us or strengthen us. It all comes down to how we respond to the test presented before us.
Giving up may seem tempting, and quitting may appear to be the best option. However, there is another way.
As the saying goes, “Don’t mistake your path for your destination. Just because it’s stormy now doesn’t mean you aren’t headed for sunshine.” It is crucial to pursue purpose, progress, and forge ahead on our unique journey.
The wisest choice we can make is to surrender our path to God. By doing so, we trust that it will be worthwhile. Regardless of the difficulties and hardships we encounter along the way, following the path that God has set before us will ultimately lead us to the destination He has designed specifically for us.
Your better days, your blessed days, and your brightest days are all ahead of you. Remember, the best is yet to come!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM RICK McDANIEL
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