Spread out before me on the cabin table was the trail map. A dry spell in the mountains where we were vacationing had opened a window of opportunity to explore hiking trails usually left inaccessible this time of year due to mud. As long as the weather held out, I hoped to explore as many of the 20 plus trails as possible. Carefully, I read each trail descriptor. Each name was followed by the rating of either “easiest” or “more difficult.”
After breakfast each morning, I would grab the trail map and my hiking gear. My Labs and I were off to explore the trail of the day. By the end of our first week, the criteria that defined a trail as “easiest” or “more difficult” had become quite clear.
The “easiest” trails had broad, well-maintained, and well used paths. Any change in elevation was gradual. All obstacles that would hinder one’s ability to move along them had been quickly remedied by park staff. Downed trees were sawed up and moved aside, while mud holes were filled with gravel. Grassy areas were regularly mowed. The trail markers on the trees were freshly painted, frequently placed, and clearly visible along the meandering paths, making a map unnecessary. Rarely did we stop for a rest or a water break. These trails were clearly accessible to all.
The “more difficult” trails were a different story. Tall grass often obscured the trail head and path. Trail markers had faded with time or had fallen off the trees altogether. The paths were narrow, and the terrain was tedious thanks to rocks, fallen trees, and exposed roots. Elevation changes were sharp and required stamina going up and sure footing going down. The map was always in hand while water breaks and rest stops for man and beast were a necessity. Only the determined and adventurous would attempt these trails.
The more trails we checked off the more I found I preferred and sought out the “more difficult” ones. On the easy trails, I found my mind wondering and failing to process the beauty of the landscape. I also found that Adi and Summer would get bored. They then would get in trouble for ignoring commands, for stopping too long to process intriguing smells, or for rough housing.
On the other hand, I found the more difficult trails stimulating physically and mentally. My mind was constantly processing the sights and sounds around me as we worked to navigate the trail. As a result, I saw an eagle, osprey, owl, and porcupine as well as many deer, songbirds and wildflowers. The tougher terrain also provided more picturesque views and opportunities for the dogs to take a swim in the lake. Maintaining my sense of direction and tracking our progress on the map was a must. I also depended heavily on Adi’s trail sense to pick up the trail when we missed a turn and had to back track. It was on these trails that both Labs were model pups. They were occupied with finding and navigating the trail while attentive to my every movement and command. We always exited the woods exhausted yet exhilarated by the experience.
As I reflected on these hiking experiences, I began to draw parallels between these trails and the words Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14, NIV
In my life, I have chosen to follow the path of Jesus- the narrow road. That said, I sometimes find myself mentally wishing that it was easier to navigate with fewer challenges and obstacles. I also find myself looking enviously at those walking the broad road and being drawn to the ease in which they “appear” to be traveling.
The Lord had a clear lesson to teach me on my mountain hikes with my Labs. From those morning excursions I learned that:
On the broad road, I’d be easily distracted, prone to boredom and endless entertainment seeking. I’d walk it with others but we’d each be absorbed in our own pursuits. The map (the Word) would become something to carry but not opened. The ease would make rest and water breaks seem unnecessary. On this road, I would walk by sight only. No faith required.
On the narrow road,
- I must walk by faith and not by sight alone (2 Corinthians 5:7).
- The map (Word) is constantly opened and consulted (Psalm 119: 32 & 105).
- Successful navigation is a team effort with each member contributing his or her part. (Ephesians 4:16)
- The gift of rest is fully appreciated. (Hebrews 4:9-11)
- The consumption of water is life giving (John 4:14).
- Stamina is required (Hebrews 10:36)
- Tucked among the dangers and difficulties found along the narrow trail are breath taking views. (Psalm 104)
Father, Thank you for giving me a fresh view and appreciation for the narrow road. For reminding me that trials and tribulations strengthen my character and make me thirsty for more of You. For Your orienting presence and Your Word that guides me along the path. And, for my Christian family and friends who help me navigate Your path through this world. In Jesus name I pray, Amen
© 2023, Lessons from a Lab, Beth Alisan. All Rights Reserved.
Lessons from a Lab 
Love this. Thank you for sharing 🙂
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Rachel, I’m so glad that you enjoyed this lesson:)
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I am a lover of hiking, though my legs do not love it so much any longer. We have Brooker Creek nature preserve near us with a variety of trails. I am not much good with trail maps, so I often get lost, but I have fun finding my way back. Now at Brooker Creek getting turned around is not so bad, but on our Christian hike, paying attention to the trail map is a must. Thanks for this post and for all the beautiful photos!
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So glad that you enjoyed the lesson and the pictures, Pastor Pete. How blessed you are to have a nature preserve near your home. I’ve been known to get myself turned around on a trail and am so grateful for Adi’s trails sense which helps get me back on track. Isn’t that one of many reasons the Lord has given us the gift of Christian brothers and sister. To help get us back on track.
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Oh yes! Some of do hate asking for directions, but it sure beats hiking in circles!
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Wonderful, as always! Happy trails to you!
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Thank you Nora!
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Look at those beautiful labs exploring that beautiful outdoor scenery – inspiring beauty by the Creator!
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Thank you, Tierney! You, John, and Mike are truly blessed to be surrounded by the beauty of Colorado. I know that is something you value and appreciate.
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I love this so much, Beth. What a perfect analogy of our walk with God! My husband and I just listened to a message by John McArthur about people who fall away from following Christ. In John 6, many who followed Jesus decided that Jesus’ words were too hard and so they fell away, back to their easy lives. Your list of what the narrow road includes is so true. And in all of the hardship, there is growth and blessing beyond what we can even imagine. Thank you for presenting this truth so well, in a way that stays in our minds.
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Patty, I love that this lesson complimented John McArthur’s message! Thank you for sharing the scriptural connection. Your words would make an excellent trail descriptor for the narrow road –“In all the hardships this trail offers you’ll find growth and blessings beyond what you could ever imagine.” Have a lovely 4th of July holiday! I hope the sound of fireworks doesn’t bother Aaron!
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Thank you, Beth! I hope you have a wonderful 4th as well. Aaron loves fireworks, thankfully. We took him to see our town’s fireworks last night. We’ll shoot some off here at our house, too. Aaron will be beyond excited! 😍
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That’s wonderful. Please wish Aaron a Happy 4th of July!
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Wonderful post Beth. I love the way that walking in nature provides these insights and inspires us in our faith in Jesus.
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Thank you Nicola! You’re absolutely correct- our Father’s Creation is rich with insight and inspiration.
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This is a wonderful lesson Beth! Thankyou for taking us down each type of trail. I couldn’t help comparing to similar hikes my husband and I have done, and the narrow ways are always more interesting, more challenging, and more fulfilling in the end. Even though the Christian path is also narrow, I love that Jesus calls Himself the Way, the Truth, the Life. As long as we are following Him we won’t get lost. Blessings to you and yours today. 🙏
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Thank you Jo! I’m so glad that this lesson took you down memory lane of hikes taken with your husband. I love the imagery of a trail marker that reads “The Way, the Truth, the Life.” You are absolutely correct, Jesus is the ultimate trail guide.
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Your post does a superb job of illustrating the analogy of the two roads, Beth. I, too, have wished for fewer obstacles and challenges on the narrow road. Then I have to remind myself: those following the wide road can never experience true joy, peace of mind, and contentment. That helps me appreciate the road God has laid out for us!
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Thank you Nancy! Your comment is the perfect addition to this lesson, especially your words “those following the wide road can never experience true joy, peace of mind, and contentment.”
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Excellent analogies, Beth! This is full of rich truths. I’m grateful the Lord gave inspiration for creating such a beautiful lesson while on your vacation. God bless you.
David and Alan are correct this makes a visual similar to Pilgrim’s Progress.
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Thank you, Manette. This lesson was mostly written on the trail. I kept my phone handy both for snapping pictures and for typing snippets into a memo.
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Wow what an awesome post Beth! I was gonna say how much it reminded me of “Pilgrim’s Progress “…. but brother David got there first bless him 😁
Certainly Pilgrim had to take great care on his narrow route just as you did on these lovely wild trails. I felt as I read of your journey that I was with you…what a journey it is sister! Would it be okay to repost this next week?
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Alan, you most certainly have my permission to repost this lesson. I was hoping that those who have read Pilgrim’s Progress would be doubly blessed by this lesson. That book came to mind frequently as I hiked. On one trail we found a wooden bench situated in the most random of places in the woods. I had to think of the arbor the pilgrim’s came upon called “Slothful’s friend.” I really do need to pull that book off the shelf and read it again.
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Thank you sister 👍
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Amen, Beth. Your post reminds me a bit of the book “Pilgrim’s Progress.” I was thinking the other day that committing oneself to the narrow road guarantees it will be a journey of faith in God. I enjoyed the story and pictures!
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David, I was hoping that this lesson would be a double blessing for those who have read Pilgrim’s Progress. That book came to mind a lot as I was hiking. There was one trail I purposefully did not undertake because years back I attempted it with all the kids. The mud was so bad that my youngest nephew began to sink in and lost a shoe. Mentally, I’ve named it the Slough of Despond.
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