My husband and I like to hike. We spend time in God’s creation to appreciate His beauty, get needed exercise, and to be together as a couple. On an outing last week, we traveled over sixty miles to visit South Cumberland State Park here in Tennessee. We have hikes much closer to home, but we drove to a park near the setting of my fictional series, Love in Pleasant Springs. Though we didn’t see what we’d hoped to find.
We visited Foster Falls, where Luke, the hero in Book Two, plans to propose to Lanie, the heroine. But his plan falls through because of an interruption. Don’t worry! It’s a romance! He’ll get another chance.
Despite a glitch in his plans, they enjoy a lovely view of the waterfall, a picnic, and a kiss or two. They’re together and happy after several misunderstandings and disappointments in their stormy relationship.
Kenn and I endured a hiccup, too, on our hike. We made a steep, rocky climb down to the waterfall and crossed a suspension bridge near the base of the falls. But what we saw differed from my two characters. Only a trickle of water fell into the gorge below.
Were we disappointed after what some might consider a strenuous trail for two senior citizens? A little. But I got what I wanted—to see and sense the location for a scene in my story. What might the characters experience while there? Could they enjoy a picnic at the falls, or would they need to hike back to the trailhead to eat their dinner? Was the suspension bridge wobbly? How could that play into my story?
Kenn and I shared special moments that day. We were alone to appreciate God’s goodness and peace. After several minutes and many photos, we made the trek back to our car. The upward climb out of the gorge was steep, but worth it. We even found another trail to hike. We weren’t ready to quit.
Life is like that, isn’t it? Our plans don’t always turn out as we envisioned. Disappointments come, and we may want to give up. But God gives us strength to keep going.
I love the Bible’s stories of faith and trust. Stories of people with problems and triumphs we can learn from. God hasn’t changed. His Word applies to us today. We find hope and determination to persevere. God walks alongside us through our disappointments and struggles. Hang onto Him and don’t let go! He’s holding on to you!