Reflections from a hike through the Chattahoochee National Forest
IT’S WORTH CONSIDERING
This post takes a distinct turn from my normal articles. I’m including some photos and commentary from a hiking trip I took with Loren (my son) a few months ago in the Chattahoochee National Forest (about an hour and a half drive north of Atlanta, Georgia). We both needed to get away and we had a great time together.

The hike began at the Amicalola Falls.
Hike-Inn falls bottomHike-Inn falls top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the falls, we hiked five miles to the Hike-Inn lodge. Here’s Loren checking the map along one of the few level trails and a sign-eating tree.

Hike-Inn typ trail LorenHike-Inn sign eating tree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three hours later we arrived at the lodge.
Hike-Inn entryHike-Inn game room

Here is one of the great views from an outdoor lounge area:
Hike-Inn view from chairs

The next day we hiked to the top of Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It was a four mile hike from the lodge. Along the way we found ourselves in a surreal setting as the morning clouds that engulfed us created an ever-changing panorama while the cool breeze kept the clouds in motion opening the door for the sun to break through in “God-rays” and sunbursts with the only thing missing being the choir of angels singing “Aaaaaaaaaaah.’ Check these out:
Hike-Inn mist 1

Hike-Innmist 2
Hike-Inn mist 3

Hike-Inn mist 4
Hike-Inn mist 5
Hike-Inn mist 6
Hike-Inn mist 7
Hike-Inn mist 10

We had to keep moving. Eventually, we came to a level spot:
Hike-Inn level trailHike-Inn level trail 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soon we came to a hiker shelter. Once vacated by hikers, they are often taken over by mice:
Hike-Inn shelter

The next stop was our destination- Springer Mountain:
Hike-Inn AT plaque

There we met another group of hikers.
Hike-Inn people on top

Here’s a partial view for up there:
Hike-Inn view from Springer

And Loren and me by the plaque:
Hike-Inn us Springerr mt

AS I SEE IT
For me, the journey had an extra dimension. I was seeking answers to a lot of questions and really needed to get away and hear from God. While it seemed that God was silent, He clearly spoke, not responding to my questions, but simply by revealing more of Himself to me. As He was in the cloud by day for the children of Israel during their forty years of wandering, I believe He was speaking to me through the cloud on the way to Springer Mountain. It reminded me of the prophet Habakkuk. He asked “Why?” but God showed him “Who.”

As is often the case, what we really need most is a clearer understanding of God, not answers to our questions. The deeper our understanding of Him, the clearer our spiritual vision becomes. The next time you find yourself asking God for answers, seek instead to know Him better. Chances are good that this is what we really need most.

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