Hosea 2:14 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, bring her into the wilderness, and speak kindly to her.” NAS
Growl. What was that? A sound my friend and I recognized as unusual and not welcome. We saw nothing. Scary. We were in the wilderness, alone, but on a very popular path, Waldo Canyon not far from Colorado Springs.
There were many dogs and people on the seven miles, but no dog or person was near us. We had spectacular views of meadows, wildflowers and Pikes Peak.
It is not a grueling path, just long. The path is never wide and you have to be very friendly to pass one another and provide space on the narrow space.
Up the steps, around the mountain, the path splits at the bench after two miles. Someone is always on the bench before they begin the 3.5 mile circle. If your knees are bad, you go to the right so you do not have to slide down the scree (very fine rock that has to be negotiated carefully). If you want a more gradual climb, you go to the left. As you near the end of the circle, there is a huge, gigantic, mammoth boulder. 
It appears to be held up by two pine trees. Impossible. That boulder would mash anything in its path.
The long meditative walk feeds the soul. Even when you see the traffic in the distance. One foot in front of the other. An adventure that causes legs to shake, sweat to pour off, and a memory is made.
What do you do when you are overwhelmed with fear and tiredness? Are you open to meeting new people, speaking kindly, or just want to be alone in the wilderness?
- Waldo Wilderness
