40 Hikes in 40 Days: Lent 2015

Three years ago I experimented with a new Lenten experience of committing to doing something every day of lent rather than giving something up.  The older I get the more I learn about myself and one thing I have discovered is that I am more successful at adding something to my life rather than taking something away.  I wanted to spend more time with God and hiking is the best way I find to listen to Him.  In 2015 I chose to repeat this experience and committed once again to a hike every day of Lent. I did learn that Lent is actually more than 40 days as the Catholic Calendar doesn't not count Sundays in Lent. I chose to include them so actually had 48 days of Lent.  Initially I started posting each hike to document and hold myself accountable. What I found myself doing though is getting distracted in the "likes" and comments on posts and spending more time on Facebook.  I wanted to get away from that so not only did I stop posting but also left Facebook for a good portion of Lent. I found that really hard to do and still need to make a conscious effort to spend less time on it.  I will share a few pictures below of my Lenten hikes.

One of my favorite devotions of Lent was from Charles Spurgeon: "Dost thou not know that thy faith never looks so grand in summer weather as it does in winter?" After a really long winter I realize that faith is best when it's pushed the most.  I actually enjoyed the long winter and many, many uses of Mike's snowshoes.  

I reflected on a lot during Lent and found I wanted to prioritize differently in my life.  I would work hard at teaching but not let criticism get to me as much, would spend more time with friends and family, less time on technology (which is why I am so behind on blog writing!) and also work harder at decluttering my physical and mental life so only that which I love is surrounding me.  God is with me during every aspect of my life but it when I am away from all distractions that I hear His voice most clear and see His perspective on what is going on in my life.  As time allows I will add more details to the pictures and this blog but just wanted to get this up and update more of the blog!! Thanks for reading :-)