We’d been on the trail since 7:30am, but after climbing three peaks we found ourselves still in the woods as darkness fell.

Out came the headlamps.

For the last hour of our journey we took each step into the short beam of light that shone from our lamps. We couldn’t see our destination, we couldn’t even see what was around the next bend, but we kept trekking, step by single step.

So often I find myself looking ahead in my life, trying to see what’s next on the horizon, trying to prepare and plan for it however I can. But life is full of unknowns and many times the future is like a trail in the fading light,  uncertain and hard to see.

I’ve been feeling like that a lot recently. With decisions and plans I want to make lingering in my mind because I’m unsure of what’s to come.

There’s nothing innately wrong with looking ahead. In fact it is wise to consider the future and make conscientious decisions in that regard.

But when my eyes become so fixed on the unknowns ahead and my heart and mind become so wrapped up in trying to figure it all out, then I miss the real life moments that are happening each day.

This quote by C.S. Lewis says it well, “What one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life – the life God is sending one day by day.”

This day to day, step by step, journey is my real life. It’s a life that has questions and unknowns, but also has the confidence of God’s hand in every step of the way.

Because the interruptions and detours and twists and turns along the way are not unknown to Him.

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.  When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

I’m thankful for the daily gift of life and I don’t want to miss what He has given today because my eyes are always on what might be ahead. May I rest content in each moment, no matter how far ahead I can, or can’t, see.

I live in the beam of light on the trail… holding tight to the hand of the One who establishes each step.