Faith | A WA mountain hike turned threatening until a guide stepped up to lead her

Years ago when I was a youth leader, I took our youth group on a beautiful summer hike near the base of Mount Rainier.

This area is aptly called Paradise and was only an hour away from our home in Puyallup.

I had hoped that in this incredible setting the youth would feel the majesty of God’s creations and enjoy sharing testimonies of Jesus Christ together.

We hiked up three miles on a clear August evening to a beautiful, rocky peninsula that featured a 270-degree, breathtaking view of the valleys below and the developing sunset.

As the teens shared their spiritual thoughts with each other, a ranger interrupted our meeting.

He advised us that a Pacific storm front was quickly approaching, and we would soon be hit with high winds and snow. We quickly gathered ourselves and headed back down the trail toward safety.

About 300 yards down the trail, I became very dizzy, and my vision blurred. Given the 2-foot-wide path and the steep, downward incline on the right of the trail, I began to worry about my ability to hike back safely.

With only a few more steps, my head spun so badly that I could not walk straight. I needed help.

I noticed the enthusiastic voice of my friend, April, a few people behind me. April was a capable hiker and paramedic, and she was always great in a crisis.

When the path widened a bit, I stopped and waited for her. I quietly told her about my vertigo and worsening vision, and she assured me we could get down the trail together.

She led the way, holding my hand behind her back, and quietly told me to just step where she stepped.

“Put your foot where I do,” she said, and I found that I could follow her feet even when I couldn’t see clearly.

She warned me about turns ahead, and she often reported to me that all the kids were doing fine.

Time passed slowly as the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. I strained to focus on each of April’s steps — I had to trust my friend completely.

Finally, we were at the treeline again, and the trail widened as we got closer to the trailhead.

April was right — we had hiked back safely … together.

Life introduces many obstacles, and our paths can take some very unexpected turns. Storms descend quickly, and we sometimes suffer personal challenges that leave us vulnerable.

In these times, our vision can blur and we can become “dizzy” from the stress and uncertainty of our paths. This is when we need someone to help us walk our path home.

Upon reflection, I see April’s role that night as a metaphor for Jesus Christ.

Whether you identify as a Christian or another faith, the invitation to “come and follow me” beckons us to find refuge from the storm.

Trusting in a higher power can lead us to walk forward with strength, knowing we are not alone. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6.

I often find that God sends other people to help and guide us.

Sometimes it is up to us to gracefully accept help, and sometimes we are the ones who can assist another hiker down their path.

Whatever our role, all we need to do is watch the feet of our guide and take one small step at a time.