I conquered the Camel!

okay today is a day to mark in the books. It may not seem to be a big deal for some, but to me, this was huge. I woke up at exactly 4:20 this morning, put on my easytones and headed for Camelback mountain. I have never hiked Camelback, and didn't know really what I was getting myself into. The company that I was with had done it previously, which added a little more comfort. But when I started out the hike, I had no idea what I was in for. This was not just a trail to follow, this was climbing huge rocks and going up steep cliffs. The hike is approximately 1.2 miles but seems much longer than that (ha). I can't even begin to describe to you my thoughts and feelings during this hike. I had to think about every single step that I took, and keep my eye on the top. Halfway through I really contemplated just stopping. My body hurt, I was scared I was going to fall to my death, and I just wasn't sure I had it in me to make it. I immediately stopped and prayed. I asked the Lord to give me strength and endurance to make it to the top.
Wow. When we made it to the top, I felt so accomplished. Looking down the mountain and seeing what I had just overcome, was such an accomplishment. But even better, it was a beautiful day. The clouds were out, it was breezy, and the Phoenix skyline was so clear. We could see every part of the Phoenix area and all of the surrounding areas. breath taking. 
But an even better part about this hike was the spiritual reliance and growth that I experienced. There were so many times that I was climbing and just praying, Lord please give me strength to make it. When we arrived at the very top, I sat on a rock and just meditated on the Lord for a while. I was so thankful that He was with me the entire way, and seeing His beautiful creation from the top was something that blew me away. I thought a lot about my spiritual walk. Sometimes it is hard to endure and press on. Through different circumstances and things that I let into my life, sometimes I can't see the top of the mountain. But even more so, sometimes I can see the top but never believe that I will make it up there. Even though getting to the top was exhausting and extremely hard, it was beyond rewarding when I made it. I wish I could portray through writing the emotion that I felt when I was at the top. A feeling of a happy and full heart. Overlooking the beauty of the Lord and what He has so beautifully created. 
I am so glad I made it to the top and back down the mountain. Thanking the Lord for that boost of confidence that with Him, ALL things are possible.
Even conquering the camel :)

I made it!  :)

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13