When I was 13 I attended a camp that had lots of canoe and hiking trips. One of our trips was canoeing the Saranac Lakes of New York. We had gone through the locks and been out on the lakes for a few days. One of our counselors thought it would be a good idea if we hiked one of the area mountains. As we climbed, it was a beautiful, clear and hot day. When we arrived at the summit(Ampersand Mountain) you could look around for miles. (Gosh, do I love the Adirondacks!)After a while it was time to leave. Two of my friends and I decided to race down the side of the mountain. We ran as fast as we could, jumping downed trees, crashing through brush and… Moving off the trail. The only thing we knew was that the lake was at the bottom of the mountain. We flew down. Animals were flying and running as the three of us screamed down the hill.

As it began to level out, I was quickly seeing this was not a part of the road we began at. We reached the road, looking at each other. I knew roughly where we were, so even though we had missed the “landing” area, we were close enough to get back. And being kids, we had plenty of energy, so we sprinted the 3 miles or so, still getting there ahead of the counselors.

The Bible says “it is a wise man who brings his plans to God.” (Others have said, “give God a good laugh…Show Him your plans.”)

Many of us as young adults have “sprinted” down the pathways of life. Not much thought being given to some of the relationships, the jobs or the studies we have undergone. My son would say, “I want to do EVERYTHING.” But, as we become older, we gain wisdom, if for no other reason, by experience itself. And we learn that many of the things we have undertaken, even if not unhealthy, have not brought us to our destiny.

I have encouraged my own children (and grandchildren), that while Dad does not know everything, he does know a lot. And more importantly, he loves you a lot. This means that I am giving you the best advice or counsel that I can.

Most of the people I know have flown down a mountain or two. For the most part, they are still alive and hopefully wiser.

Can I encourage YOU to seek help as you negotiate the turns and mountains of life to seek wisdom from others? This does not restrain you, but actually empowers you to accomplish the goals that God has placed in your life.

Written by Lee Johndrow

Lee is the Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH

He is the father of five wonderful children. Married for over 26 years to his wife Tina. Loving life with family, friends, faith, fun and food!