Challenges

Do you give much thought to being physically challenged? Maybe it’s just me, but there is something about pushing my body to its limits on occasion that reminds me of what I’m capable. Of course, the older I get the lower the bar. Did you know women start losing muscle mass in their 30’s? Inactive women lose 3-5% every decade. Add that up over a few decades, and the adage “Use it or lose it” becomes obvious.

Years ago (1984 to be exact) I saw the movie Getting Physical which portrayed a woman who got into the world of bodybuilding after being physically attacked. Shortly thereafter, I was at the gym and, for the first time, saw a woman lifting weights. Until then, I thought weightlifting was for men like Arnold Schwarzenegger. It wasn’t long before I added weights to my regular workout, which is now recommended to maintain not only muscle mass but bone mass, as well.

Pumping iron wasn’t much of a challenge, and the call continued. I was drawn to the idea of boot camp or back packing, or anything that would push me to my limits. But being a mother of two couch-potato kids married to a man who got enough activity at work to satisfy him, the call went unmet. I stuck with a treadmill, free weights, and a little kick boxing.

And then my life was turned on its head and I found myself alone. I took up running (okay, more like jogging) as a way to clear my mind and be outside. I no longer had to get “approval” for activities from a man who saw every act of independence as a threat. It was a scary season, but also an opportunity to draw closer and closer to the Lord.

Then Chris came into my life. Our first “date” was a five-mile cross country run followed by four hours of chatting over a cup of coffee (or two.) Two dates into our relationship, he informed me he signed us up for a half marathon to take place in three months. My first thought was There’s no way I can run 13 ½ miles. My second thought was If he’s making plans three months out, he must be confident we’ll be together that long. For a woman who’d been abandoned after 22 years of marriage, this was comforting.

We’d barely started training for the run when Chris asked if I’d be interested in climbing Half Dome. Do you see where I’m going with this? My whole adult life, I’d wanted someone by my side who loved a challenge. I’m not talking a risk-taker here but an adventurer. Ask and ye shall receive. Half Dome was an 18-mile round trip hike, which we did in one day. As strenuous as the hike was, the worst part for me was the climb up the side of a granite rock. I have acrophobia (fear of heights). Chris promised me that little kids and grandmas did it every day but staring up at what appeared to be a vertical climb, I was filled with terror. I wanted a challenge, and I got one.

That was fifteen years ago, and my sweet husband has given me opportunity after opportunity to challenge myself in every way. Not just physically, but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Just last week, we headed east to spend a few days in the Great Smokey Mountains. Since we moved to Tennessee, our time has been split between life here and being available for Chris’s mom who was still in California. Now that she’s hanging out with Jesus, we have more time to explore our new state.

We were ready for another physical challenge. The weather could not have been more perfect, as if we’d ordered it, and God delivered. Day one, we hiked a moderate five to six miles. The trail was somewhat busy, although not nearly as busy as the town of Gatlinburg. For some, shopping is challenge enough. Day two, we decided on something a little more our style.

We headed over to Cade’s Cove, which took longer than expected. Who knew the “loop” would move at a snail’s pace? By the time we got to the information center and decided on a hike, it was nearly noon. The sign, which looked to be older than Abraham Lincoln, claimed the distance to the trailhead was .49 miles. The lookout point (which we were assured was a must-see) was another .6. Let me just say right now, the signs were not accurate. Modern technology told us the hike into the point was seven miles—and since it was uphill the entire way, it felt like it. We saw very few people on this trail.

It’s probably just my age, but that hike felt as hard as climbing Half Dome. It was so worth it, though. Beautiful streams of water, colorful leaves, the scent of rich soil and a myriad of trees. Nothing calms the soul like basking in the abundance of God’s nature.

We are living in chaotic times. In the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association post, Franklin Graham was quoted, “In just a few weeks, our nation will face what may be the most important decision of my lifetime and yours. This election will define America for the next 50 years.” That’s a little daunting. Hope has been drowned out by all the fear and stress in our country. But when I can be outside in the midst of God’s glorious creation, I am reminded of how big our God is.

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