The climb was tough and marked with many obstacles. Even the seasoned hikers and young adults in great shape found the trail to be difficult and challenging. It was painful at times; especially when we would look back and discover we had not traveled but a few yards. Then, at other times, we would wrestle with thoughts of turning back only to realize that we had come too far to give up. Somehow we knew there was something great ahead of us as we continued our sojourn. To encourage myself, I kept singing the chorus to The Hoppers’ “I’ve Come Too Far”.

As we climbed the massive hill of volcanic sand, ash, gravel and rock we did all we could to spur one another on to the top.

Some of the younger girls went ahead of our guide and group only to find themselves on the wrong path. Two of the girls got back on track while the third girl struggled in fear as her footing was unsure due to the loose rock on the less traveled surface. Our guide carefully made his way to her and coaxed her back to the safety of the correct path and our group.

The scenery was amazing and so beautiful. From time-to-time I would sing the chorus of “How Great Thou Art”. As I sang I would lift up my hands toward heaven and smile through tears of joy at how great our Creator truly is.

Due to the intense heat and extreme physical challenge on our bodies our water supply quickly ran low. I had brought two water bottles with me and I found myself doing something I never – ever – do. I shared my container with another. (Don’t think I am selfish. I just get freaked out by other people’s mouths touching where my mouth is going to touch). But I knew I had to because this other man and his son had brought only one bottle to share between the two of them and it was almost empty. I was concerned about their safety. Another man in the group helped others by carrying the boards of those who could no longer do so on their own. Yes, I was one of the ones who “let” him. He was a very persistent helper. It only weighed eight pounds but half way up the volcano I had exhausted my physical limits. (Now, back at home, I am determined to lose eight pounds).

Now, I can’t explain this without sounding weird but it’s the absolute truth. Upon putting the lid back on my water bottle and the water bottle in my backpack I had a sudden burst of energy set in. Strength and endurance showed up out of nowhere and I was off and ready to get up that hill. Even the path got smoother! It reminded me of Matthew 10:42 where Jesus talks about giving water in his name.

Before long we reached the top of the volcano and were ready for our descent. Some wasted no time getting on their boards to slide down the steep incline. I was not part of the “some”. I wanted to drink in all the beauty that surrounded me. No, seriously, I was scared to death! It was a half mile down and the incline was extremely steep! Our oldest daughter was there with me and I thought to myself, “What have I gotten my baby into this time?”

The plan was that we would go down together. Well, we all know how some plans go. I rallied my courage, turned on my phone’s Ipod, selected “Rocky Top”, put my earphones in, secured my phone in my backpack, wrapped my bandanna around my face like a train robber, got on my board, shouted “Yee Haw”, and absolutely nothing happened. Well, not exactly. The front of the board dug in to the sand. Talk about a complex! One of the girls told me to lean back towards the rear end of the board. So, I started the process all over again. This time I shot off like lightning. Alone.

The thrill of the ride made the exhausting hike to the top totally worth the work. Even when I tumbled, bounced and slid on my face during my one and only wipe-out, I was at complete peace and so full of joy. I “yee hawed” and laughed all the way. “Rocky Top” was still going strong. Once I got to the bottom and shook off all the volcano sand I realized that the whole left side of my body was covered in tiny wounds and scratches and my shoulder ached. Even then I could not contain the joy I felt or the sense of excitement long enough to be concerned about a little injury and pain. I simply could not stop laughing and shouting, “That was awesome!”

Just as others had done before me, I stuck around at the bottom and watched as the last of our group members came down the massive hill. As each person made his or her way to the bottom, those of us who had gone before cheered them on and welcomed them with shouts of praise and encouragement. It was a victorious moment for each one of us.

A few made the trip down with great and smooth success while some experienced tumbles. One young boy had to go very slow and stopped often. He was very fortunate that our guide was kind and compassionate and stayed with him every step of the way. The important thing is that we all made it.

Recalling the Cerro Negro Volcano experience opened my eyes to what God has been trying to show me all along. My attitude of excitement, anticipation, encouragement, giving, and joy was the key to the success of that journey and is the key to success in this Christian’s life. Not just my attitude either, but the attitude of others as well.

I was also reminded of how staying close to and following our Guide can save us from a lot of unnecessary struggles along life’s path.

The eye-opening message I really loved from God was the picture of those on the trail lifting one another up and spurring them on to the top as well as those at the bottom who were cheering others on as they came down. It was a beautiful picture of friendship and Christianity at its very best.

You see, it doesn’t matter where you are on your path or what type of path you are on. Some paths are easy and worry free while others are difficult and marked with suffering and pain. What does matter is who you are. How you act determines the success of your journey. Had we been complaining about our struggles and fears rather than encouraging one another it would have been the worst experience ever. Instead, it was one of the best memories recorded in my mind.

Now, go cheer someone on their path today.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 10:42, Acts 27:22, Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 13:5-6

The Cerro Negro (Black Hill) Volcano is an active volcano in the beautiful country of Nicaragua. It erupts on average every eight to ten years. The last eruption was in 1999.