You may recall that a couple of weeks ago, I went on an “Adventure of a Lifetime” with Summit Leaders and one of my favorite authors, Margaret Feinberg. In the middle of the trip (right after I wrote this post), my laptop ceased working and continued to cease for a few more days until I came home and took it the Apple Store. Honestly I felt like it was an immediate opposition to some words of wisdom that were spoke into my life but I took it as a blessing since I truly did disconnect and lean in more than I would have if I had had keys at my immediate disposal (I’m kind of addicted to this internet thing if you didn’t notice already).
If I could sum up the trip in one word it would be this – Confidence. It may seem odd to you that I often lack confidence. In the past 6 years I’ve done some of the most ridiculous things I never imagined doing – like good heavens being called & blessed with the journey of paying off $127K in debt, riding my bike 160 miles in one day, flying in a plane upside down over Lake Michigan or even doing a weekly news segment. And yet, I am not immune to trolls – both those that literally exist (did you see the e-mail I got yesterday?) and those of my own making. We probably all hear voices whispering in our ears that we’re not good enough, we’re not strong enough, we can’t do it so we should probably just quit, go home and eat a big bowl of ice cream. mmmm ice cream. I certainly hear those voices on a regular basis.
Back to the trip, though. The hike through Acadia National Forest was challenging and beautiful. I am SO thankful I was blessed with a physical challenge along with a mental and spiritual one. I truly enjoy stretching beyond my comfort zone physically so that was great. Also, I’m pretty sure Margaret Feinberg has hooves instead of feet because at one point, I flew as fast as I could straight down a granite slope after her. Did I mention that she’s currently battling cancer too? Cancer treatment or not, girl has some speed on her. Wow.
Through Margaret’s wisdom & encouragement and some deep words of calling from God, I’m plunging into a couple of new projects with the confidence that I can indeed complete them and that it will be worthwhile. How’s that for vague? 😉 When someone who you respect begins to speak into your life, you MUST listen. Lean in, ask questions, and receive feedback. Honestly, you might be a little bit surprised to find that they have more confidence in you than you have in yourself.
I’m not sure what we’re talking about in the above picture. It could have been about the trail, it could have been about lobster, it could have been about a number of things. But I was so wonderstruck when I saw this picture because if you look carefully at the photo, just to the left is a trail marker, pointing the direction of the path (a cairn for those of you seasoned hikers). If I needed anymore confirmation, as Margaret’s words begin to trickle from my memory during the day-to-day of life back in Indiana, this photo certainly captured permanently a turning point for me (Thanks Tara! I’m sure you had no idea when you took it the impact it might have on me.).
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Here are a few photos of my day of hiking. They’re guaranteed to take your breath away.
Thanks for sharing the journey. grace&peace.
[…] It was incredibly illuminating for me. I also have had the privilege to hang out with Margaret a few times and my appreciation for her work has only increased the better I get to know her. I’m so […]