Off the Path

I enjoy hiking! A few days ago, my family and I were hiking at Capital Reef National Park. While hiking the trail to Cassidy Arch my family and I got a little lost. As you can see from the middle photo above there is a rock stair path with some rocks in front of it and loose rocks behind that. We should have turned to the right at this point. We were hiking along and visiting without paying much attention to the path. Instead of turning to the right we went straight and ended up continuing off the path for a bit. Thankfully my husband saw people on the path above us and realized that we needed to be higher up. We found a way to get back on the path and finish our hike to the final destination of Cassidy Arch. The view of the Arch was well worth the distance and climb!

So often in life we are careless and it's so easy get distracted and lose sight of the covenant path. Often times we see that we aren't where we are supposed to be. We see that we need to be on a higher path, but we don't know how to get there. This could mean that we don't reach our desired destination of Life Eternal with our Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ. Thankfully, it doesn't have to mean that!

 After studying the crucifixion of the Savior as well as his resurrection the past few weeks I am reminded of the joy that comes from knowing that no matter how far off path we get there is always hope! Christ has paid the price so we can always return to the Covenant Path. It is true that it's important we are mindful of the twists and turns that may confuse us, and it always helps to keep our eyes focused on the pathway in order to return. Yet the joy and the good news of the gospel is that when we get lost we don't have to stay lost. Our Savior will always help guide us back to the path if we are willing to accept his gift of the atonement and follow him. I am so grateful for my Savior! 

I know that he lives and loves me and because of that I know that he loves you too!