We live in a beautiful world.  A world full of beauty, life and light. 

Of paths to explore and mountains to climb and adventures to embark upon.

And yet it’s also a broken place.  A place of uncertainty.  And illness.  And isolation.  And hatred.  And racism.  And hurt.  And worry.

Where is one to look?  To turn?  To run?

[Jesus] went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the [disciples’] boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 

{ And the viruses.  And the loneliness.  And the distrust.  And the anger.  And the fear. }

And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.  But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,

“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Matthew 14: 23-27

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying,

“Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14: 28-33

And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.  And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment.

And as many as touched it were made well.

Matthew 14: 34-36

And so in the midst of the scary, the pain and the unknown, we’re seeking each day…each hour…each moment…to look to Jesus. 

To choose HIM.

To believe, take heart and follow.

Even when the path before us seems vast or gnarly or unclear.

We choose JESUS. 

We choose trust.  And faith.  And hope.  And joy.  And love.

Jesus answered [his disciples], “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:31-33

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Trails hiked:
– Wright family woods 
– Hollowrock Nature Preserve
– Duke Forest, entrances of off Whitfield and Erwin Road
– Brumley Trail
– Occoneechee Speedway and Eno Riverwalk
– Occoneechee Mountain loop
– Mountain to Sea trail, near Falls Lake