Today I went for a hike with my friend Tara. Quite a challenging hike, for sure – steep and lots of rocks on the trail. I’ve put on a bit of weight since my last hike, and my legs felt every extra pound.

On the way up she stopped whenever I needed to, which was often. And on the way down she went ahead of me at times so I could use her for balance as I stepped down off a high rock.

Tara also carried our one pack with our water. When I looked tired and ready to give up, she encouraged me that we could complete this hike. Just keep going.

Without her I would never have finished. It would have been way too easy to give up and turn back. Instead, one step at a time, my aching body finished the hike. And I am that much closer to getting back in shape.

At the top!

Hiking is not unlike our spiritual journey. We take one step at a time. We keep going when we sometimes want to quit. And, most importantly, we need others to help us along the way. God never intended any of us to walk alone, from the very beginning of creation.

Where are you struggling today, trying to muster up strength or motivation? I encourage you to pick up the phone and call someone. Choose to take that first step. Today. Now.

You are never alone, God is always with you. But sometimes we all need God with skin on.

Two are better than one,
  because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
 one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
  and has no one to help them up.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)