Wildflowers at Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint in Arches National Park, Utah
In our everyday lives, we are constantly asked to give: to offer help, to work hard at our jobs, to give time and affection to our families, to take care of the myriad of tasks that never seem to end.
Fall along the Timberline Trail near the Vista Ridge Trail, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
I believe that we were made to serve. But constantly giving and giving and giving wears you down, tires you out. Unless you are replenished, unless you are refilled, you will eventually have nothing left to give. It’s commonly known as being “burned out”.
Ascending a sand dune in White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
You see, you can’t give away something you don’t have, whether that is energy, emotional support, creativity, etc.
Flowering cacti along the Echo Canyon Trail in Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
So God calls His children out into the wilderness to renew and restore them. He could do it anywhere – and often does – but for time out of mind He has called the ones He loves into the wilderness for restoration, for preparation, for meeting with Him.
Hiking down from Electric Pass to Cathedral Lake, Colorado
There, in the wilderness, surrounded by the things God created in infinite variety, He meets with us if we are willing to receive. And in the meeting, He refills us with the strength and energy we have been pouring out.
Tiny flower along the Potash Road in Utah
When we go out to the wilderness, if we can receive all the God has for us there, we receive something we can bring back and give away. Yes, we receive peace and rest for ourselves, but that restoration gives us the strength we need to continue to give: to love our families, to work hard at our jobs, to give our best in our everyday lives to those we love most and to the people we meet.
