Youth Group Meyers Ranch Hike:

October 8, 2017: 9 youth and 7 adults embarked on an incredible adventure, spending the day in the beautiful Colorado sunshine on warm fall day they hiked to seek God in the wilderness. The day began with praying through the Divine Hours. As we reached Meyers Ranch, each youth was given a note card with a scripture written upon it.

“To act justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8

As the hike began, each youth was encouraged to carry this scripture with him or her. To read it aloud as we took breaks to catch our breath and to use our steps to begin to understand it’s place in our lives. Within fifteen minutes they were given another scripture to read and walk with:

“When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the Rock that is greater than I” Psalm 61:2

Conversation flowed as the youth walked further on ahead. They of course left many of us adults in the dust with an unending amount of energy. However, at each break, they were continually encouraged to read the new scripture aloud as a group.

As another fifteen minutes passed, we continued to hike and they were given one more scripture before we were to reach the shelter:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Laughter followed all of us as we continued to hike and talk. Each break brought scripture echoing through the mountains. The air was crisp and the weather warm. At moments when the scripture was read out loud, it was the only sound we could hear. To be among such beauty in the mountains and such beauty in these words this hike became something grand.

We found our way to a shelter half way through the hike. Stopping each youth and adult was given the opportunity to find a space and spend time with God. Away from each other, away from the demands of the world and just spend time. Art supplies, more scripture, and a beautiful creation was at our finger tips. Upon gathering back together as a group we talked and discussed what each of these scriptures meant to us; what we were learning and gathering as we were hiking through the woods. One thing became clear: when we are overwhelmed with despair or the sheer beauty of life, there is one Rock we cling to: our Father in Heaven.

The descent brought one last scripture:

            “I lift up my eyes to the mountain- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 112:1-2