Finding Joy in the Midst of Trials
“This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” someone in my hiking crew declared, as we took in the cliffs, pastures, and sheep. Just a bit further up the trail, we rounded a corner and enjoyed another beautiful vista. “This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!” someone else exclaimed. The refrain became almost a joke on the trail, but each time we uttered the words, we spoke them in truth.
I tend to find God easily in nature. My husband and I enjoy exploring nature so much that our vacations tend to center around being outdoors. Not long ago, when some friends heard our plans for an adventure in Scotland, they asked to join us. The four of us flew into Glasgow, but only spent a day in the city before heading north towards the Highlands. We thought nothing could surpass the surreal beauty of the bagpiper at one of our early stops. His haunting notes followed us as we crossed a moat by way of a stone bridge to the castle serving as his backdrop.
However, the natural beauty of God’s creation proved us wrong a few days later on the Isle of Skye. The four of us set out on the Quiraing walk early that morning. At just over four miles, we estimated the loop would take us no more than a couple of hours to complete. I opted not to carry a backpack and, instead, gave a single water bottle to Jay. The two of us had trained all summer for the West Highland Way. The trail covers 96 miles, which we planned to hike over seven days. In comparison, this short loop would be a walk in the park.
Within the first mile, the trail treated us to a panorama that included a shaggy sheep perched on a rocky outcrop. The green of the grass and the moss-covered rocks spanned as far as we could see. We hiked the loop in a counterclockwise motion. Mountain peaks greeted us at each turn, accented by a loch, then a view of Staffin Bay.
While the scenery was ideal, the path conditions were not. We found no trail markings along the way. The open fields had turned to muck in Scotland’s damp climate. Frustrations rose, tempers flared, and harsh words were exchanged. I had failed to properly prepare for the trip and suffered the consequences. Not only did we lack the structure of a properly marked trail, but I also lacked snacks and hydration.
The two-hour hike turned into much more. We sought the guidance of others on the trail, only to be met with the same confusion we felt. The way ahead seemed impassable, so we made the hard decision to turn around. My friend recognized the source of my crankiness. “Here, have some of my beef jerky,” she offered. Thankful for the nourishment, I took a few photos, then we trudged back the same path on which we’d come. Our mileage ended up being double what we had expected, but pushing ahead didn’t seem feasible.
Have you ever felt a lack of preparedness for the life you’re living? Prepped and ready for one aspect of life when another blindsides you? Plan or no plan, we’re sure to run into trouble. The past year proved to us all just how quickly unexpected hardships can come our way.
Those of us who follow Jesus are not protected from such troubles. The Bible guarantees we will face such times: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33 NIV).
Two years after the hike, my first thoughts of Quaraing are of its beauty, followed by gratitude for my friend, who shared her snacks in my time of need. My husband and I had traded harsh words, but quickly forgave each other’s short tempers. I can’t recall the specific difficulties of the trail. Time has blurred those memories, mercifully filling in the gaps with the sense of awe we had as we viewed the landscape.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (Jas. 1:3-5 NIV)
Life is a tapestry, hard times and blessings woven together. I consider myself fortunate to be able to look back and view that hike with joy. Trusting that God is with us every step of the way, we can appreciate the hard times for the growth they bring. While suffering and hardship may not make sense to us in the moment, we can choose to allow God to use them to sanctify us.
celebrates the small wins in life while always being on the lookout for the next great adventure she can share with her husband, Jay. On her blog, Awkwardly Graceful, she shares the moments in life she hopes will become treasured memories.
Photograph © Robert Lukeman, used with permission
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