In early May a few years back I was with a friend in Rocky Mountain National Park. As anyone knows early May in the Rockies can be just like our February here in Indiana. There was a Snow Storm that moved through just a few days prior so the wet white substance saturated the landscape.
We had gone up to Emerald Lake to take a short scenic hike but as we arrived at the trailhead we noticed that everyone was leaving and wearing snowshoes. This gave us pause as we were about to venture out on this hike in mere hiking boots, but when the wilderness calls I always come running. So we decided to go out on this trail up towards Emerald Lake and see what we could accomplish. We were able to see breathtaking views along the way as the trail was still somewhat visible through the forest paths.
We finally made our way through the trees and came upon a large opening. There was no more trail, just hills of snow. So we hiked up a few of these hills keeping a point of origin so that we would not get lost.
The wind was blowing and the sky was dark and cluttered with grey clouds. It was not snowing at the time but it seemed like it due to all of the snow blowing around us. As we continued in the direction we were heading I stepped in a spot that made me fall into the snow up to my waste. It was at that point I realized we were standing on top of a small lake. (As there are several smaller lakes before you reach Emerald Lake. I have been several times since then in the summer months and it is a great trail although much easier in the warmer weather.) The opening we had went to was open for a very good reason...no trees can grow in the water. So we decided that would be the farthest that we would go as there was really no need to go any further since the trail had disappeared.
However, the reason we were going in this direction was for the amazing reward we pursued and that was an unforgettable view of Tyndall Glacier that lies between Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak. As we looked up we could see the wind between the peaks whipping the clouds back and forth as the sun peaked through ever so slightly so that it looked like a small white ball floating in the clouds. As these peaks stood before us with the evergreen trees to our side we were amazed at the sight we beheld. Never have I experienced such an awesome atmosphere that makes even the tropical beaches I have laid on to pale in comparison. Not only was it a Winter Wonderland because of its visual presence, but it was an experience where we had taken a dangerous, rough road and were duly rewarded.
LIFE LESSON-
Life always offers us options on how to live it. You can always take the easy way or the harder way. Many times people like to take the easy way, but the only problem is that this in not always the right way. Sacrifices are part of life and if you want to enrich the lives of others many times sacrifices will need to be made.
The Word tells us that if we want the reward of eternal life that we will need to choose between the broad and easy path or the narrow and rugged path. The path is rugged and narrow that leads to Life, because it is lived in submission to Christ. There is no more living for self or doing only what we want. However, let me assure you that though there is sacrifice there is also the greatest reward of all. The Word tells us that when we choose this rugged path of Christ our life now dwells in Him. We have the power and promise of God that He will protect us, comfort us, provide for us, and protract our lives for all eternity.
“...For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14
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