It was a dreary, windy, and cloudy day as some of us went for a long walk to "Gerry's Point". Gerry was one of the friends with whom we had gone camping on Manitoulin Island and who had passed away. One day a few years before, as he went exploring with his dog, he had come across a hidden logging road off the main road and had discovered this scenic point.

We had to watch where we walked on the road to Gerry's Point, as the terrain was pretty rough. There were rocks covered with moss, fallen logs, and tree stumps that were scattered on the way that we had to step over. We also had to watch for deep crevices in the rocks that we could easily get caught in and stumble over. Some crevices along the way were so deep that when we looked down, we couldn't see anything. It had rained during the night, so we had to be extra careful that we didn't slip on the rocks and fall.

Romans 5:3 – We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (NLT)

I wondered how much longer it would be for us to reach this spectacular view that Gerry had boasted about. And then, all of a sudden, it was there, right in front of us. It was breathtaking. Before me lay deep blue water that seemed to go on forever. There were a couple of small islands to my left and some more to the right. Hundreds of feet below were thousands of trees. I was standing on a protruding rock that jutted out from the main rock formation. The sun had come out and shone onto the water, which created tiny glistening diamonds that seemed to move slowly towards us and then seemed to float away again. What a view!

This scene reminded me of our life's journey. In our lives, we are faced with various trials, like those rocks and tree stumps that confronted us on our walk. Sometimes, we need the help of a friend's hand, as we stumble through a perplexing event. Sometimes, we need a kind word, or a note, or a telephone call to help us through our sadness.

Psalm 37:24 – Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. (NLT)

1 Peter 1:6 – So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. (NLT)

John 16:33 – I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (NLT)

Prayer: Almighty God and Creator of the beauty that surrounds us, we thank You. When we stumble or fall, send us friends who will help us to get back up. Help us, likewise, to become a welcome relief to someone in need. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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