When joy reigns…

Rejoice always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV

He who has endured such vicissitudes with equanimity has deprived misfortune of its power. Seneca

Several years ago, I did an autumn group hike up a mountain in the Sierras as a late celebration for a dear friend’s birthday. Though not one of my favorite trails, I care very much for my friend, so I had to be there for her despite the threatening weather.

As we went up and up the steep mountain trail, there were initially a few patches of blue sky.  But even as conversation with my friend’s adult daughters and her other friends was upbeat and light, the clouds grew ever more ominous. The final challenging steep stretch to the peak was to a summit where the primary view was heavy grey clouds. Still, I was feeling satisfied with the accomplishment of summiting the peak and even retraced a few steps to encourage a straggler to make it to the top. On the way out, though, the hike became quite a bit more memorable due to rain.

When I was younger, I used to hike all the time in the rain in the northwest, but as I’ve gotten older, it’s become one of my least favorite hiking weather conditions; I try to avoid it at all costs. The rain on that fall day was not just a short shower or two but a steady persistent cold rain due to the high elevation. The miles back seemed much longer than I remembered, even though going up wasn’t that easy either. The rain soaked through all layers of clothing right down to my skin. Thank goodness, the constant movement of hiking kept me from becoming hyperthermic.

You would think that I look back on that day with displeasure. Yet, when I think about that day, I remember it as an adventure with friends and as an accomplishment of persisting in tough conditions; it was a hike that was unique and special in its own way.  Photos from the day show smiles all around with friends, and the rainy weather photos on the way down had vivid bright colors due to the moisture. While I wouldn’t choose to hike in those weather conditions often, I’m grateful for that day where even rain couldn’t dim my enthusiasm to be out in the mountains with friends!    

When you need to do something that becomes a challenge, choose joy anyway!