Towards the end of last summer, I was able to push my body further than what I thought it was capable of doing. During that time, I was not consistently working out and I am sure some wellness professionals would have advised me not to do what I did. For more context, I went on a group hiking event where there were different routes catered for every person’s walking limits. So, the easier route should have been the shorter walk with less elevation. Even with that being a leading consideration I opted to take the rockier terrain.

While some stayed behind to walk around the artificial stream of water while taking in the sun and nature, I ventured on with the rest for what I thought was a moderate hike. The fellowship was great and we made it to our stopping point or so I thought. There was a greater ask from some who desired to go to the top which required more endurance than excitement. My initial answer was, no. Those who want to keep going encouraged me to as well- that I will want to see this hike to the very end. Then, there were those who could not go any further and turned back down the hill to catch up with the others who took laps around the stream. One questioned helped me decide if I too would turn back and that question was, “Can you handle it?” It was asked out of concern as I was catching my breath during our break. After much thought, I was reminded that can and will are completely different. I don’t always do what I know I am capable of doing and that day I chose can, but with safeguards.

Yes, I will venture on to the more difficult route but with breaks when necessary. It reminded me that the race isn’t given to the swift but the one who endures. Just like the hike, I don’t have to rush through life to keep up with others. As long as I finish strong is what matters. We often find ourselves in a season of rocky terrain that seems impossible to triumph but God shows us our limits for one season will be our carpet to walk over in another. For those wondering, yes I finished the hike and was proud of choosing can over will. Moreover, I was able to keep this moment as a staple memory that endurance is the name of the game. Life won’t always be a smooth walk around an artificial pond. It gets rocky, hilly, and difficult but with rest stops, community, and God’s Help we can endure til the end. God bless!