I often find myself wondering how anyone could doubt the existence of God.
As I have told you before, I have been adding daily walks into my routine. With the end of the school year, it has been necessary to find somewhere else to do my long walks. I am thankful that I have discovered a wonderful trail right in my own neighborhood.
Aptly named “Happy Top”, it is our neighborhood park complete with community center, splash park, softball fields, and walking trail.
On a typical day, my Yorkie, Truffles, and I will walk at a steady pace on the narrow trail winding around the outer rim of the mountaintop. I wear my best walking sneakers and listen to my iPod loaded with gospel tunes.
As we pace our way around the gentle curves and up and down the slight slopes of the trail I listen to God’s music playing in my ears and use my eyes to take in the beauty of my surroundings.
Flowers dot the lush green landscape and the sweet aroma of honeysuckle fills the air. Sunlight filters through the leaves and creates shadows on the path while a cool breeze helps dry the sweat on my brow. This is not just a trail- to me, it is my own outdoor chapel- like God’s gentle hug wrapping around me as I walk.
I am always amazed at the variety of leaves, flowers, and even mosses that I find. How could anyone look at this piece of artwork and not appreciate the heavenly artist who created it?
At one point in one of my recent walks I had to stop and take the photo below. This single dogwood petal lay on the ground, nestled in the cool carpet of moss. I gazed at it and found myself smiling, thinking of the heart shape of the petal and its symbolism to me- a sure sign of God’s love.
If you ever find yourself in Beattyville, KY and you want somewhere to get close to God, I strongly urge you to take the trek to Happy Top. Take your time and stroll along the trail, soak in God’s beauty, listen to the birds chirping, watch the rabbits hopping into the woods, and feel the touch of God’s gentle hand in the breeze.
If you live in Beattyville and you have not taken the time to use the walking trail, make the time. There are benches located along the trail where you can take a rest break or just sit and talk with God in prayer. (If you happen to see a fifty some year old woman listening to music walking the trail and occasionally raising her arms in praise, don’t be too alarmed. It is probably just me- listening to God’s voice in song and worshipping in my outdoor chapel.)
Renewal and Refuge 