Reflections on Nature and Family in Mariposa

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Never has this verse had such life applicability!

We spent months and months planning our 24-day, 210+ mile adventure to hike the from Happy Isles to Mt. Whitney. We made it about 80 miles in 8 days. Then we needed to end it due to an injury to my friend’s foot.

There is a lot to process, both on the trail and off. I have decided to write about it in segments. Please bear with me as I share some of the insights and stories that I gathered along the way.

During the week before we entered Yosemite Valley, I had the privilege of spending time with Jessica’s family. They are loud, messy, crowded, caring, and compassionate – and I loved it!

I watched as they would gather around a breakfast table, an outdoor porch, the tailgate of a truck, a kitchen island, and the side of a riverbed. Each place held the same purpose, to spend time together. The conversations varied but the common thread was grace, mercy and love.

They asked how family members and friends were doing, not for gossip or judgment. No, I believe it was because they genuinely cared to know.

They talked about who had screwed up and how grace was handed to them. They shared about those who had turned corners to set their lives onto a better path and mercy was given.

There was more patience shown that week within this family than I think I have given in my whole life.

One of the days, we spent a day at the river.

What a simple, beautiful spot to gather. They have been there so many times. They knew every inch of the area. They noticed what looked different and what remained the same.

Here’s what I saw.

The river is a place to relax, to play, to challenge yourself. It’s a place to lay in the sun, to sit in the shade, to float on top of the water and to swim underneath through a cave. It’s a place to jump off a tall rock, to swing from the rope, to catch a fish, and to glide through the rapids. It’s a place to tell stories and listen to life.

The river is a pretty good place to be.

I am grateful that I was allowed the opportunity to be an observer, a participant and a receiver of this family’s love in Mariposa, California.

<>< KC