We’ve come to the letter “h” on our journey through the alphabet in April. According to Ms. Marquez[i], a good way to boost your happiness and attitude is to hike.

Just 20 minutes outdoors makes you feel less tired and more alive. Whether it is walking your neighborhood, a nature trail or Long’s Peak, at the end of a hike, you’re bound to be feeling better.

Hiking has been part of life from the beginning of time. Apparently, God, Adam and Eve had regular walks through the Garden (Genesis 3:8). Adam and Eve gained a double portion of happiness and attitude lifting. Walking and being with God on that walk. Together they walked in joy and fellowship.

Years later, God asked Abram to take a hike. “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1 – NIV) Abram’s prompt obedience is such a beautiful example to us. Not knowing the outcome of this journey, Abram left with his possessions, his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot.

During this journey, God appeared to Abram and encouraged him. God guided his footsteps throughout his lifetime. I’m sure there were times when Abram was not happy and his spirit was down. But because God keeps His promise, Abram was given a son in his old age. What a happiness booster! And all this came about because Abram obediently took a hike.

The Hebrew nation hiked a lot. They left the Promised Land and went to Egypt to escape a famine, but wound up being enslaved for over 400 years. When Moses arrived on the scene, God put him in charge of getting His people out of Egypt. With an entire nation in tow, Moses led this group on the hike of their lives.

Now I must say, this hike didn’t bring the happiness that it should have brought. There was grumbling, complaining and rebellion. This group of people continued to believe their lives would have been better as slaves in Egypt. And since many of this group didn’t trust God’s plan, they never entered into the happiness of the Promised Land.

But after 40 years of even more hiking in the wilderness, the remaining Hebrew nation entered into the land that flowed with milk and honey. They enjoyed God’s goodness, found happiness and their spirits were lifted. It was a long hike, but well worth the walk.

One last hike I’d like to share today is the final hike Jesus took as He walked to Golgotha. While it was not a hike you or I would have willingly taken, our Lord and Savior took each step without hesitation. Without this walk, we would never know the deep love and grace God has lavished upon us. Without this walk, we would continue to be living in the darkness of this world and not know what joy the Light brings.

I don’t know all that Jesus felt on that walk, but what I do know is that I can live with great joy because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. My attitude can change in an instant because of God’s Spirit within me. My happiness is increased immeasurably because of what Jesus did at the end of that hike 2000 years ago.

Do you know this joy? Do you know Jesus? If you are still wandering around the spiritual wilderness, I pray that you will stop the hiking and look to the One who is able to lead to a place of rest. Not only will you find rest, but you will find salvation through Jesus Christ.

Thanks for joining me on this hike. I pray that your attitude and happiness have been boosted, not because you spent time with me. But because you spent time with Jesus!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today” by Jennifer Rainey Marquez in Good Housekeeping.