Earning the Scenery

Don't let the beauty of the scene fool you. It is always worth it to be in the outdoors but you better be prepared and ready to face what nature throws at you! Those two kids were troopers on our recent backpacking trip at Fort Mountain State Park and I couldn't have been more proud of them.

It wasn't blisters or heavy backpacks that got them. No, these two kids are easily knocking on the door 100 milers on day hikes so they were ready for the back country. It was "mother" nature just being mean and they stared her down. We had to earn the views we enjoyed.

Without a complaint, these two braved a thunderstorm with 30 mph-plus winds with rain that turned the trail into a stream. They hiked straight up hill through it and didn't flinch when thunder and lightning combined in a moment of each other overhead. They sat calm under our temporary shelter and then loaded up and hiked on into our site.

Unfortunately they slept through the wild pigs that ran through our site and the bear that snorted in my ear. But they got to enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls and the incredible scenery we enjoy here in Georgia.

So while we prepare to launch Crossroads UMC and start school and our vacations and stay-cations come to an end, there are pictures and memories of a great summer. And this summer I was reminded that I have a front row seat to view the lives of two incredible young people who live in my home. I have the most outstanding scenery a father can experience. I'm not sure if I've earned the privilege but I'm certainly thankful for it.