...and so I go on hikes

Social media is known as life's highlight reel. An accurate assessment, IMO. But I don't think most people are trying to brag or one-up the next guy with their posts. I know I'm not.

Most people don't want to bring others down with their heaviness, maybe it's too intimate to share with the world, or perhaps they're looking at photos from last month and reminding themselves of happier, carefree times and posting those as a personal pick-me-up.

Lately, I've been climbing my way out of a valley. Yes, I've traveled. Yes, I've eaten good food. Yes, I have an amazing family, husband, and children whom I love more than life. Yes, I have some heavy things going on. Yes, I live my life focusing on the positive while, like a duck, I'm frantically kicking my feet under the surface trying to get my life where it needs to go.

And so I go on hikes. To think, to plan, to pray and relax, to breathe deeper, to dream bigger, to remind myself how small I am and that if God can take care of "all of *this*," He will certainly take care of me and provide the resources I need to solve my problems.

Last week I hiked the frozen creek in our town with my daughters for a different perspective. Today we're going hiking in a forest. Saturday, we'll be "hiking" the city streets of Chicago. Different surroundings, but similar results: look up and be reminded how small you are and that man has found great solutions to overcome insane obstacles. After all, those skyscrapers didn't build themselves!

Wishing you all peace and joy this Thursday...and each day that follows!