“You’re Almost There!”

“You’re Almost There!”

It was a beautiful Autumn Saturday morning. I could not bear working all day while the sun screamed through the window by my desk. I could not take it. My body and soul were whispering to my mind and heart, “Just do it, climb Timp, see how far you can get.” So I got up got my hiking gear and left. I have not visited the mountain for over 20 years. Without fail I remember the wildflowers of every color and shape that blanketed the field. I often imagine myself laying in the middle of that field pretend I had made the 14-mile round-trip hike. I smell nothing but clear crisp air and hear nothing but my heartbeat. I image drinking from the mountains cold clear water. I watch my reflection in the clear water made by God. I rival at my accomplishments and prove to myself that I can do hard things.

I remember getting to the top and looking over the valley that raised me. That Timp hike has given me tenacity for over 20 years. But now, I look for further inspiration from the mountain 23 years later. I had no idea what to expect as I set out to search for that Utah fresh air. I was starving for strength. I wanted God and nature to prove what I could not prove to myself. I found myself at the Timp trail head with my camera and lunch. I was alone. Not knowing what strength I wound find. I knew I did not need to reach the “top.” I had no goal in mind. I just wanted to be there. As I started out, the beauty was breath taking. The sun appeared like a summer afternoon, not as a mid-Fall day without a cloud in the sky. I started the self-talk of my gratitude for God’s beauty. I could not help but be pleased with my choice. I reached the trail where it narrows and many other hikers were already coming back down. I could already feel the sweat and my heart was beating out of my chest. The first hiker that I came to I got off to the side, and waited for them to pass. I did this for every hiker I crossed up or down. Yes, it was because I was in no rush, and yes, this old lady needed the break.
But mostly, I did it out of respect, and this is what I want to write about.

I enjoyed stepping out of the way for others. I got lots of responses.  Many people told me “Thank You.” Many said, “Sorry.” One girl told her group, “Guy’s, we need to get out of the way of other hikers.” A few people said nothing at all. But almost every single person said “Hi” or, “How are you doing?” One hiker asked if I was hiking alone, and then told me that it is not a good idea to hike alone in case of an accident. Yet, I found something ironic. I had a few hikers tell me, “You’re almost there!” The first time I thought to myself, “But he doesn’t even know how far I’m going. How does he know if I am almost there and I am still way at the bottom, only an hour in?”  When the next hiker said the same thing to me as I let him pass, I said, “TO WHAT?” He replied, “too the waterfall.” See, the hikers didn’t care how far I was going. I was not “Almost there” in my eyes because I had been to the top and I knew I was NOT “Almost there.” I believe this is how God see’s us. He’s saying, “You’re Almost There” and we are saying, “To What or Where.” For me it does not matter. It is just nice to here…”You’re Almost There.”

I have to add one more favorite hiker. He was a little toe-headed boy at the bottom on his way up. He was already ahead of his group with hiking stick in hand. He said, “Have you seen a moose?” “Not yet, but that doesn’t mean you won’t,” I said. He reminded me to always be looking for an experience, every day, every moment. Don’t take breathing for granite.

I came home and wrote my feelings in my journal. I was filled with energy and replenished physical and mental strength. I used mindfulness and my five senses to be present in the experience. I cried tears of gratitude several times while hiking. I stood on the edge and looked how far I had come. Literally! I have had many challenges in my life, but I have been blessed. I hope to see God in those challenges, making me who He wants me to be. He is the only one who understands. I made it to the Big Pine, I called it, and turned around after taking a “selfie” and pictures of the view. It was not to the top but way further than I thought I could go. I will make it further in days to come, but I have a new experience to remember. Just in case you cannot experience this for yourself, no need to fear. You can go where ever it is you’re going, “You’re Almost There.” God is good.

 Fact: With almost a mile of elevation gain, and 14 mile round trip, Timp's summit is one of the most-visited in the Rocky Mountains.