Reflections from Colorado’s 14ers: Mt. Blue Sky

Reflections from Colorado’s 14ers is a devotional series shaped by time spent hiking Colorado’s highest peaks. Through each climb, I reflect on the ways God meets us in creation and invites us to slow down, pay attention, and remember His faithfulness.

Mt. Blue Sky (Second Attempt)

I invited a friend to do her first 14er. For weeks we planned and scheduled. We happily chatted during the two-hour drive, full of anticipation and excitement. But as we pulled up to the trailhead, my friend realized she had forgotten her hiking boots, the one piece of equipment we really couldn’t push on without. In the midst of all the excitement, she had forgotten this critical item, leaving her at the base of a mountain in sandals. In terms of the objective ahead of us, we had failed.

However, God was illustrating a valuable lesson for two type-A women in ministry: don’t forget the ultimate thing in the midst of the earthly things.

So often I focus on the logistics of ministry like grocery lists, communication plans, and itineraries that I can completely miss the only critical item: the presence of God. Once I hear a word from Him, I tend to thank Him and take it into my own hands. How often am I missing His heart for ministry? What about the grace, love, and power that comes from resting in His timing?

“Our eyes are on you, O Lord our God, until you show us mercy.”

2 Chronicles 20:12

Reflection Questions

• Have you ever forgotten the “hiking boots” of a ministry endeavor? What does this look like in your life?

• How can you continue to keep God’s voice and timing at the center of your work?

• When you are convicted of replacing God’s plan with your own, how do you correct this?

  
  

Invitation

At 121 Retreat, we believe God often meets us when we step away from the noise and into His creation. If you’re feeling weary or standing at the edge of a hard climb, we invite you to learn more about our retreats—spaces designed for rest, renewal, and listening for God’s voice.