Salem Lake Hike

This past Saturday, we hiked the 7 mile trail around Salem Lake. I am so blessed to have this little treasure so close to my house. I can spend a few hours on the water. I can cycle my bike around over 10 miles of trails, or I can just take a hike! This past spring they redid the ramps and built new shelters. The place looks amazing.

As Saturday was the 5th of November, I thought there would be no way we’d see signs of fall. I honestly thought the trees would be bare. Once again, God did not disappoint. I needed this hike for so many reasons. My heart has been heavy and I have been begging God to return my youngest son to Him and the Church.

We saw lots of turtles, ducks and other creatures. I tried really hard to focus on the little things. The beauty of nature, being able to walk 7 miles and just being alive. Something I always wondered when I was growing up: what makes me different than a drug addict? Why aren’t I a lost soul, struggling to figure out my place in the world? Why do I find God in His Creation while others need to have some sort of synthetic religious experience?

I didn’t ask them THAT way as a child, but the essence was the same. Right now, all I can do is pray. I won’t ever understand what makes my youngest struggle so much. Getting out in nature helps me and I wonder why it is that so many people cannot find joy in the little things.

It might sound silly, but even watching Pooh Bear on a bad day can be a *little*thing that brings me joy. Walking the seven miles around the lake and experiencing the beauty of Creation brought so much joy to my heart. I wish everyone could experience the joy it brings my heart.

I stopped to look at the turtles, the caps of acorns and even individual leaves. When my heart hurts, getting exercise helps ease my stress and anxiety. Taking in the beauty of nature just soothes my soul. There is no other way to put it. As of this writing, I am just over 2,460 miles for the year.

I will probably fall short of my goal, but will chalk it up to a lesson learned. This year I upped my goal by 1,000 miles should have only increased it by 500. We will see what the end of the year brings. I am still trying to make i