sunday

#354: Snow-Covered Paths

Standing by still, snowy lake. Sun coming through tree branches.
Mirror Lake, Yosemite National Park, CA

Julia and I are in California for our honeymoon, taking some time to reflect, recharge, and see close friends. A snowy hike in Yosemite had me thinking about all varieties of paths—unblazed and undiscovered, well-trod to the point of iciness, snowy paths softened by a morning’s sun, or illuminated by a lone line of staggered footprints. Each with its own challenges, its own virtues.

I haven’t decided how I feel about this. Am I trying to say that it’s up to us to choose our particular struggle? Or do I advocate putting virtues ahead of challenges—not letting fear dictate the path? Maybe it’s about listening to your intuition, trusting that the path that most calls to you is the one that best reflects where you are, and what you’re ready for.

I don’t have a firm answer here. But maybe a floating observation is the exact right way to end 2021.