4

As a writer, I never metaphor I didn't like; that's why I like likening hiking to all of life.  As in any hike, there are breezy, pleasant parts in life, and there are also steep and difficult hills to climb.  Like a hiking path, we never know where our path in life will take us, nor do we know the good things (like stunning views) that are ahead, nor the bad things (like mountain lions) that may await us.  The trick, the blessing, is to be able to stop and take time to enjoy the stunning views from the top and to thank God for them and not worry about the mountain lions that may or may not be ahead.  Living in the present-not dwelling on what's behind us or what may be ahead of us-is essential to happiness in life.