A couple weeks ago Chad and I took a day trip to see the Natural Bridge in Red River Gorge, Ky. thanks to my MIL, who came and stayed with the kids all day. It was an amazing day that started with our very first canoe trip...
The first lesson of the day: A front seat driver in a canoe is just as under appreciated as a backseat driver in a car. We decided that the next time, we will get kayaks so we can both be in control of the boat. :)
After 4 miles in the water, we drove over to the trail to Natural Bridge. 2 miles up and 2 miles down.
It wasn't easy. You can see from this picture that beyond the tree, we go UP. Way up.
And more up.
But we saw some really amazing sites along the way...
And at some point, I got to thinking...
I never could've done this a year ago. As a matter of fact, I can't think of any other point in my life when I was healthy and strong enough to do this. In the past 11 months I have lost 65 lbs, I've started exercising, muscle conditioning, running, and I've run a half marathon.
My father passed away a year and a half ago. He was a strong man, but a tragedy that occurred when I was very young left him with only one lung and unable to do the active things he enjoyed. He would've loved this hike. He would've loved that I was doing it. But he wouldn't have been able to climb that trail. His physical limitations would've stopped him.
A year ago, my physical limitations would've stopped me too. But my tragedy was that I was just too lazy... I wasn't taking care of my temple. And I can not ever be that way again. I have to always be able to do this. Because there are some people can't....really, really can't...and it's not their fault. I should take care of myself, simply because I can.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
We made it to the top of the trail at the base of the bridge...
Here is the view from underneath...
But we certainly weren't stopping there! We climbed to the top to walk over the bridge...
Amazing view!
And on our way back down, on the side of the gorge we saw this rock with all these beautiful markings in it...
I only got a fuzzy picture, but it looked just like giant fingerprints. Can't you just imagine God leaving them there as he molded this place?
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Wow- that looks beautiful! What a good adventure!
ReplyDeleteBravo! I feel the same way. I hooked up with some neighbor moms who are super active on the lake. I used the words I Cant' too much last summer, then made it a goal, even set it in my prayer journal to be in shape this summer to keep up with them. I have had an amazing spring so far! I was just txting a friend that we were not going out this morning, and my body aches for not working out in a week - she said it stinks to get old - I said no - It Stinks to be Lazy! Then I read this post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and so happy to see you succeeding!
ReplyDeleteGina
Congrats on your accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteWay to go on your weight loss! I'm also a mom of 8 and one of your fellow TOS reviewers. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to browse around and see if you share how you lost the weight. I need to lose 40 and have lost 12 so far. Pictures of opportunities like this one will inspire me to stay the course.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful! Way to go on the weight loss and gettng healthy!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a wonderful hike! I love hiking. I need to lose weight though, it would make it so much easier...
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your weight loss! You're an inspiration to me. How did you do it? Autoimmune diseases have worn me out and caused weight gain for years now and I'd love to make some improvement.
ReplyDeleteThe scenery is beautiful!
Beautiful pictures! It sounds like you have made major changes for the better. I am sorry for your loss. I lost my Daddy a year ago, and it is sad how his poor health limited him. I agree, that is another motivator to be more healthy.
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