I've been asked, "When did you start hiking?"

It's an answer I hardly thought about. But truthfully, it was when I felt like my life was falling apart. Like my world was spinning on the wrong axis. When my heart couldn't take anymore, and wanted to crumble into a million tiny pieces. That's when I would take my pity party on a hike.

I found a haven in hiking. A secret getaway I never knew I needed. A hideaway from the mess, the problems, and people. It was just me and God. And I found comfort in that.

The only noise I could hear was my own breath, moving to the next step. The sound of birds, rushing water, the wind rustling the trees. Yes, a sanctuary. Solace. My place of refuge in my personal storm called life.

It was the place where my faith was filled. Where I would bring my broken heart to God, questioning my purpose, questioning His goodness, asking "Why, me?" Where God spoke to me through the beauty of His creation. It's where I realized my little self was just a small part of His world, and that the uncertainty I faced, I would not face alone. Never.

I always walk away from a hike feeling restored. I find strength walking into the wilderness to listen to what God has to say. To escape the burden of my troubles, and rest in Him. To find joy on this difficult path.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3