Lessons learned

Some things I learned from our trip to Mt Laconte
1. Take Sunscreen (the clear skies and higher elevation didn't do well for my fair skin)
2. Everyone we passed on the trail was courteous and friendly. People always say hello as they pass. (I tend to be guilty of not always doing this when in passing due to insecurities...I find it easier to look down, but on the trail it was easy to smile and say "hello, how are you")Definitely a note to self
3. People on the trail in general seem interested in each other....where they are from? Where they are going? Where they have been? I wish it was this way more in day to day life. Even if we do say hello or ask how someone is often we are so busy that we aren't really focusing on their response. People on the trail have a common goal (the destination)and are up for the challenge and tend to encourage one another. Couldn't we all use encouragement from time to time? It was very refreshing.
4. Great bonding time with Jason....where else is he going to go. He has to listen to me and neither of us are distracted. Having been married for 7 years before we ever had kids I always used to talk big about frequent date nights even after kids. Life really can get in the way of this. Even now approaching 11 years of marriage we have a lot to learn, but I am glad that I still love our time we do get together and he truly is my best friend!
5. Reminder of the beauty and awe of God's creation.
6. This one may seem cheesy....and I am not a fan of Miley Cyrus but this songs lyrics are good and related to our "climb" and life.....

--Every step I'm taking, every move I make feels lost with no direction. My faith is shaking but I got to keep trying, got to keep my head held high.
--There's always going to be another mountain. I'm always going to want to make it move. Always going to be an uphill battle. Sometimes I'm going to have to lose, ain't about how fast I get there, ain't about what's waiting on the other side. It's the Climb!
-- The struggles I'm facing, the chances I'm taking, sometimes might knock me down but no I'm not breaking....these are the moments I'm going to remember most....just keep pushing....keep moving....keep climbing.....keep the faith!