A little over a month ago, I had the privilege of hiking the Grand Canyon as part of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training (TNT). Hiking 9.2 miles alongside cancer survivors and other selfless individuals who are relentless for a cure was a truly inspiring and unforgettable experience. You may have heard the saying “take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints” but in addition to great memories with my teammates I also took a few lessons from the trail that are applicable to the World Race journey…
Have the courage to start.
Standing on the edge of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a humbling experience. In fact, nearly 5 million people visit the rim each year but very few actually venture into the canyon to see what it feels like to stand at the bottom and look up. To be one of those who seek a deeper, more adventurous, and more rewarding journey you must set aside your fears and have the courage to say yes. Yes to training, yes to fundraising, and yes to taking steps towards accomplishing the dreams God has placed within your heart.
Down is optional, up is mandatory.
As we descended down the Bright Angel Trail, we came across signs with this message clearly posted. It was an easy 4.6 miles down and a long, challenging 4.6 miles climbing back up the 3600 vertical feet to the top – a task that some hikers were not prepared for. Likewise, in life it can be easy to get down on yourself or your circumstances but we must get back up. We can look up to the people God has placed in our lives to encourage us through the uphill battles and look up to the heavens to be reminded of God’s grace that saves us from our lows.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
No matter how slow the progress feels, keep moving forward. Parts of the hike went by quickly – times when I was lost in the scenery or engaged in conversation with fellow hikers – but other times the afternoon heat and the elevation gain hit us hard and each step was laborious. When I felt like I didn’t want to go through one more switchback, I reminded myself that quitting is not on option for cancer patients and it certainly wasn’t an option for me either. I anticipate some months on the race will come naturally and the Holy Spirit will feel near while other months ministry will present challenges and spiritual growth will appear stagnant but Jesus said “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). There is strength and hope in Jesus that allows us to continue putting one foot in front of the other.
Dream big, focus small.
The TNT hike team was made up of 30 individuals who were able to collectively raise $155,000 towards the mission of curing blood cancers and providing support to patients in need. My contribution towards this goal was achieved one generous donor, one wrapped Christmas gift, and one football square at a time. The small donations and fundraisers really do add up to make a difference and the result is a team of support that not only got me to the Grand Canyon but that also provided the motivation I needed to push-on when times got difficult. Support comes in all shapes, sizes, and amounts but as long as I focus on one relationship or one fundraiser at a time, the big goal of raising $16,000 for ministry and establishing the best network of prayer warriors will fall into place.
Nothing on earth is as beautiful as you.
The beauty and grander of the Grand Canyon is overwhelmingly apparent. After all it is THE Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a scene perfectly painted by our creator. It really is breathtaking beyond comprehension to think about how big our God is and yet how much he cares for the intricate details, including each of us. From Machu Picchu in Peru to the Himalayas in Nepal down to the details of a Cambodian flower or African sunset, I can’t wait to see how the Lord speaks to me through his beautiful creation.
