Take A Hike!

The days are long, the weeks are longer and the months stretch out for years.  It seems that our busy lives won’t allow us to get proper downtime.  Stress from daily living and keeping schedules can build up until burn out rears its ugly face.  It’s said to be like the feeling of being on a treadmill that just goes faster and faster with no hope of ever getting off.

For those of us who love the outdoors, we look longingly at the fields and meadows as we drive by.  We keep saying, “Someday I’m going to get out there, breathe in some of that fresh air, test out that new piece of gear and develop a new skill.”  But, because there are many other important things clamoring for attention, that desire gets pushed to the back of our mind again and again.

We often have time for things that we deem truly important, or we will re-arrange things in our schedule to make it happen.  But being healthy in mind and spirit is actually very important.  The busier you are, the more important it becomes that you have quality down time to recover.  You will be more effective in business, more resilient in disappointments and less susceptible to injury both physical and mental.

Jesus knew the importance of getting rest after exhausting days of ministry.  Even though He had but 3 and 1/2 years to do the most important job ever done on earth, He took time away from His disciples and the crowds that needed Him to get alone, recuperate and pray.  If we believe that He is truly our Example in all things pertaining to life and godliness, then we should follow Him in this as well.  It isn’t being lazy to rest, it’s wise.  So instead of just longing for that outdoor experience, get your stuff together, let someone know that you’re going to be gone and where you’re going, give yourself enough time to truly rest and go!  In other words, take a hike!

James B.

PS. You can check out my website where you can set up training for many of these skills at www.waypointsurvival.com and look at and order my custom knives at www.benderknifeworks.com.