Walking With Jesus

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

“Incredible . . .” I whispered to myself on a tired sigh. I took several additional steps onto the rocky ledge overlooking miles of birch, maple, and aspen that covered softly rolling hills sloping to the dark blue edge of Lake Superior. The views from Oberg Mountain (yes, Minnesota has mountains, albeit very old and worn into what more closely resemble large hills) are absurdly spectacular when the surrounding forest is saturated in autumnal reds, oranges, and yellows.

We’d hit the crescendo of changing leaves on a hike renowned for fall color in Northern Minnesota, and the vista stole my breath. After lingering for a long while on that ledge, we turned back onto the woodland trail, thinking we were leaving behind the spot for viewing as we continued the loop that would eventually take us back to our car. To our delight, the path led us to four or five additional outlooks—all slightly different but equally stunning—before it dipped back down the mountain to the trailhead.

Between vistas, we hiked mostly in silence through an aspen forest aglow with sunlit yellow leaves. The way the sunlight filtered through even the darker parts of the woods turned my thoughts toward what it’s like to follow Jesus. While Oberg Mountain was not an easy trail—I wheezily watched for protruding roots and periodically tripped on rocky outcrops—my heart was filled with gratitude that I could experience it at peak fall color. It was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever encountered, and I focused on soaking it all up, savoring and storing it in my memory banks.

Following Jesus—while perhaps not as visually stunning on an ongoing basis—reminds me of Oberg Mountain and is the only way I want to live. Prayerfully looking for those who God puts in my path, asking God to show me how he is working and how I might make a difference in eternity, and actively looking for the beautiful moments in my day-to-day life is the most meaningful, exciting, beautifully ordinary adventure. The best part? Jesus’ invitation is for you and for me, starting right now, right where we are.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Surrender your day to Jesus, asking him to help you follow the light that leads to life.