A Narrow Path Brings Diamond Rewards

The trees whizzed by as we turned the corner in the road. Each minute brought us closer to Mt. Rainier. The forested area reminded us of home. The Colorado mountains were a beauty to drive through, but fresh terrain now awaited exploration.

Ahead of us we could see tons of cars piled in parking lots. As we got closer, we discovered each side of the street was tightly packed with family vehicles. Some enjoyed their lunch from the trunk. Others were just unloading. I quietly prayed for a spot in which we could fit our long bed Dodge truck.

The Lord provided halfway through the corridor. A white SUV pulled out and we snuck in. Matt let the diesel engine run for a moment while it cooled itself down after the climb. As soon as he turned off the ignition switch a woman outside shouted thank you. She sounded annoyed, but we quickly shook off the welcome and told ourselves she just doesn’t understand diesel engines.

Mt. Rainier sat before us in majesty. It was a perfect clear day to enjoy one of God’s most amazing creations.

We took a moment to collect our lunches and camera gear. I desperately wanted to find a gorgeous spot to eat. Most trail patrons were headed down the hill towards the pretty lake. It made sense. It looked amazing, but very crowded.

We took some selfies as we continued along the sidewalk. Matt noticed a dirt path across the two-lane highway. He suggested we check it out. We carefully crossed over and went down an unoccupied path that led to sheer beauty.

Wildflowers blanketed the hills. Pink, yellow, and purple blossoms brilliantly displayed their glory. I’d never seen anything like it. No photo was able to capture their beauty. We simply had to take them in and enjoy them for that perfect moment in time.

We found a path that looked like it led up the mountain – where we might be able to enjoy lunch with an amazing view. Perhaps there would be some place to sit when we got there.

The uphill climb wasn’t too bad. Stairs had been cut away in the ground to make the steep hills easier to navigate. We crossed over a stream and around a few bends hidden by trees. We only discovered one other family on our way up the mountain. Otherwise it looked deserted.

We finally found a plain with a rock platform which we were able to lay our lunches out on. I caught my breath as the snow-capped Mt. Rainier stood perfectly in front of us with undisturbed beauty all around us. We probably sat for an hour taking it all in.

Matt decided to hike a side trail while I rested. Eventually another family with two young kids found our secluded spot. I watched as the mom took a picture of her two kids together. I thought, Wouldn’t it be amazing if they could get a family shot up here? I debated whether or not to approach her due to the COVID protocols. I was hoping she would ask first, but when she didn’t, I piped up.

The woman happily accepted my offer and I was able to capture some amazing shots for them. I hope they enjoy the photos for many years.

Matt and I began our trek down the mountain so the new family could enjoy the special peak that few others found. It reminded me of how Jesus calls us down the narrow path, towards a life with Him, rather than down the wide road which leads to destruction. Few find the joy and fulfillment He desperately wants all of us to experience. Do you know Him?

We had just come down the mountain and crossed over a creek when Matt stooped down and picked something up. He sounded alarmed. Then he showed me a giant diamond ring. We stopped and wondered who it might belong too. It wasn’t there on our way up. It must go with the family back at the top of the hill. At least that is what we hoped.

Matt made the trek up the hill again while I waited and prayed for the owner to be found. What in the world would we do if it didn’t belong to her?

I heard voices up the mountain. Then my husband reappeared a few minutes later. A smile was on his face.

The woman had taken off her ring to pocket it and apply sunscreen, but apparently it missed and landed on the trail. She was ecstatic that Matt returned it to her. “The Lord put me in the right place at the right time, ma’am.”

We not only got an exceptional experience at the top of an uncharted mountain, we got to bless someone with our presence on the secluded trail. Our Father knows who we need to encounter every day, and He has a nugget for us to deliver or receive if only we would listen.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Do you know Him?