Today, Nana and I took the five kids and a friend on a hike to the Hieroglyphs in the Superstition Mountains. First, let me share that the mileage recorded for the trail on various websites is one way. Though I generally read maps and directions and such well, I thought the trip would be 3.1 miles roundtrip. I was wrong. I had planned to carry the little ones from time to time, and I did, but they were stellar little troopers and made it all the way to the hieroglyphs and all the way back to the car.
The hike was great for beginners. It started slowly and moved gently up the mountain into denser brush that hid the steepness of the trail until you were already at the top. The trail ends at a small canyon of rock with paintings on it. They were so neat to see, and the bigger kids loved scaling the rocks. I enjoyed the hike as genuine exercise that didn't require a machine. What I didn't expect was the window into my kids that the hike provided.
Ethan, pulled out in front and was determined to lead the pack. He was the first
to arrive at the top and the bottom. He seemed to enjoy forging ahead on his own and gaining a nice spot in the shade to wait for the rest of us. I valued his initiative and drive because it inspired me to go a little faster and a little farther.
Jake and Magnus(our friend) followed Ethan in a more steady pace. I don't know what they talked about but they stuck together the whole hike and never complained or asked how much farther. A good friend makes the journey even better.
Lilly is the little mother in our family and moved back and forth between the groups, sometimes walking more slowly with us and sometimes running faster with the boys. I envy her ability to feel comfortable in all situations and with everyone she knows. I was three times her age before I felt that comfortable in my own skin.
Sarah, who is short and stur
dy like my Mom's family, strapped on a fanny pack and walked up the mountain like she was taking a Sunday stroll. When she would get tired, she would ask for a short ride and then jump off and march ahead again. I marvel at her determination, though I know it was bred into her from generations of strong, stubborn women. I must remember how much I enjoy her strength the next time we are at odds.
Sam was just old enough to make this trip and he did get awfully tired at the end. He stopped often and would just sit on a rock, saying "I need a little break." He would rest his elbows on his knees and smile up at us. As the elevation increased, the path was littered with large rocks that were knee high for him. After watching him mount several in a row, I told him it would be easier if he went around the big rocks instead of over them. For the next half mile, he would point o
ut each obstacle that he avoided and we made good time. He brought many comments from people coming back down the trail and he would ask me the name of every person who spoke to him. I told him I didn't know and he wondered why they spoke to us then. In one of those moments when your mouth is filled with words by the Spirit, I said "Everyone on the trail is a friend."
I thought about this a lot as we walked, and even more after we returned home. Today was a day of lessons that I hope I don't forget. Sometimes we need to run ahead on our own and test our limits, and sometimes we need to go with a friend. We all have the strength to complete the journey, but sometimes we need to lean on a friend. Friends can be found anywhere, in anyone, if we will open our eyes and hearts to those on the path with us and accept the help they offer.
The hike was great for beginners. It started slowly and moved gently up the mountain into denser brush that hid the steepness of the trail until you were already at the top. The trail ends at a small canyon of rock with paintings on it. They were so neat to see, and the bigger kids loved scaling the rocks. I enjoyed the hike as genuine exercise that didn't require a machine. What I didn't expect was the window into my kids that the hike provided.
Ethan, pulled out in front and was determined to lead the pack. He was the first
to arrive at the top and the bottom. He seemed to enjoy forging ahead on his own and gaining a nice spot in the shade to wait for the rest of us. I valued his initiative and drive because it inspired me to go a little faster and a little farther.Jake and Magnus(our friend) followed Ethan in a more steady pace. I don't know what they talked about but they stuck together the whole hike and never complained or asked how much farther. A good friend makes the journey even better.
Lilly is the little mother in our family and moved back and forth between the groups, sometimes walking more slowly with us and sometimes running faster with the boys. I envy her ability to feel comfortable in all situations and with everyone she knows. I was three times her age before I felt that comfortable in my own skin.
Sarah, who is short and stur
dy like my Mom's family, strapped on a fanny pack and walked up the mountain like she was taking a Sunday stroll. When she would get tired, she would ask for a short ride and then jump off and march ahead again. I marvel at her determination, though I know it was bred into her from generations of strong, stubborn women. I must remember how much I enjoy her strength the next time we are at odds.Sam was just old enough to make this trip and he did get awfully tired at the end. He stopped often and would just sit on a rock, saying "I need a little break." He would rest his elbows on his knees and smile up at us. As the elevation increased, the path was littered with large rocks that were knee high for him. After watching him mount several in a row, I told him it would be easier if he went around the big rocks instead of over them. For the next half mile, he would point o
ut each obstacle that he avoided and we made good time. He brought many comments from people coming back down the trail and he would ask me the name of every person who spoke to him. I told him I didn't know and he wondered why they spoke to us then. In one of those moments when your mouth is filled with words by the Spirit, I said "Everyone on the trail is a friend."I thought about this a lot as we walked, and even more after we returned home. Today was a day of lessons that I hope I don't forget. Sometimes we need to run ahead on our own and test our limits, and sometimes we need to go with a friend. We all have the strength to complete the journey, but sometimes we need to lean on a friend. Friends can be found anywhere, in anyone, if we will open our eyes and hearts to those on the path with us and accept the help they offer.
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