A few weeks back we were hiking a familiar trail in Brown County. He and I approach things very differently. He goes slow uphill and fast downhill. I am the exact opposite. This particular trail had quite a few uphill climbs.

Typically, Mike lets me get in the front on these types of trails. This day he wasn’t. I was trying to be patient, really I was. I waited up one hill, behind him, following closely. I was getting annoyed and impatient. (I know, pretty patient right??) It was hot, I was hungry, and I just wanted this trail to be over with.

“Can I please pass you?” I said in the sweetest tone. Okay, maybe not. I was hangry!! I wanted to hurry up and do this my way, because my way is the best way when it comes to going uphill. He said, “Sure, go ahead.” Then he allowed me to take the lead. Yes!! I could finally get some speed and gain some ground! Oh, and get food.

I started along and all was good. We had gone less than a tenth of a mile and I ran into a huge spider web. Ugh! I cleared it off, and started again. Then I ran into another one. They were everywhere, I learned after about 10 minutes of doing things my way! I said, “Goodness, I’m getting spider webs all over me!” To which Mike replied, “I know, that’s why I was walking in the front. I didn’t want you to have to walk through them.”

**Side note- to the ladies-that literally took my breath away! After 22 years of marriage he can still do that. Look for those moments, and treasure them. Also, this is a good lesson in trusting your husband to lead you. They don’t always get it right, but neither do we! Make sure and tell him when he does get it right!!

To the guys-find ways to take your wife’s breath away-to make her fall in love with you all over again. Follow God and allow Him to lead you, so you can lead her and your family well!!**

To ALL my brothers and sisters in Christ - sometimes, many times, God is going to lead you on a path that seems all uphill. You may want to go quickly and do your own thing. He will allow you to, and no matter what, He will always be with you.

However, if you stay the course and follow Him where He is leading—He will be clearing the way. He knows what He is doing so much better than we do. He wants something better for us. Will you still have to go through tough times? Absolutely! He tells us this in His word several times.

In this world you will have trouble, but take heart; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33b

As you are navigating this life and going through hard things, trust God to lead the way. He has good plans for us, friends. We are the ones who make it harder, by trusting our plan better than His. Our plan seems comfortable and familiar, like that nice cozy blanket on our couch.

BUT GOD……..sees the entire picture of our lives. Wouldn’t we want the One who knows and sees everything about us-our past, present, and future-be leading us? I promise if you are leaning into Him and following His course, allowing Him to guide you-He will clear the spider webs. You won’t have to.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6