Mormon Lake Trail.......So we took a hike in an entirely different area. Our Mormon Lake Trail was in the Holy Cross Wilderness area. So here was the thing; the trail was only 3.2 miles to the final lake, Mormon Lake. The first lake was Lyle Lake. However at the very beginning the air seemed pretty thin. That was when one of our hiking buddies said, "We are starting at 11,000 feet." Well that was a relief, at least I had not developed some rare lung disease just that morning.

The trail was beautiful full of God's surprises like WILDFLOWERS and the new discovery of mushrooms. Even had one of those mushrooms for dinner tonight. Pretty tasty!

So we made it to the first lake, Lyle Lake. We stopped for lunch and could see the trail we had to take across the lake making a steep uphill climb. I kept looking at that and thinking, wow I will need some lungs for that. I was right. Each little stretch took a lot of oxygen (very deep breathing!). That was when the same hiking buddy with his GPS that he is just learning to use announced that we were at around 12,000 feet. But the good news was once at the top of that mountain we started to descend. The bad news was that on the way back we would have to climb up again. Oh well that's life!

Once we got to a certain point and had still not reached Mormon Lake we began to guess where we thought it was. There was another peak just ahead. I thought and we all agreed that the lake was probably on the other side of that peak. When I first thought about it I wasn't sure I wanted to climb another peak. It was 2pm and a firm rule on a hike is you have to get back to where you started if you want to go home.

But being destination minded and with the agreement of those with me we decided to go on. The wonderful surprise was that the trail took a very gentle route over the peak. The lake and being at the top of the world was well worth the trip.

On the way down I thought how much like life the trail was. Often when you look at what is apparently before you, you are not sure if it is something you can tackle. But if you just begin taking the steps necessary one step at a time with the grace of God surrounding you, the trail will often surprise you. God gives you a gentler path than it appeared and rewards you with rest "beside the still waters."

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6: 34

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29