When COVID-19 pandemic started, our family intensified our walks and hikes. We had to create a safe outdoor routine, and we were lucky enough to have so many options. We visited several parks and hiked various trails. We overwhelmed our kids and ourselves with outdoor activities! In August 2020, we spent a few days at the White Mountain National Forest and hiked to Arethusa Falls. Many people think it’s the tallest single-drop waterfall in New England at 160 feet tall! It has a nice trail with beautiful scenery.

It was hard to convince the kids to do it. It’s three miles round trip and takes around 3 hours with a few stops along the trail. We tried our best to be well prepared, wore suitable shoes and clothes, and packed enough water and snacks. Every half an hour we would stop because the kids were tired, and we tried to keep them motivated. When we arrived at Bemis Falls (halfway to Arethusa Falls), the kids said, “This is a beautiful waterfall; can’t we stay here a little bit, and go back?!” However, we hiked on and Arethusa Falls was worth every ounce we sweated.

Our spiritual life is full of hikes like Arethusa Falls. These hikes are not easy ones and are full of rocks. Sometimes we think of giving up because we are so tired. And yet, we see the beauty of each one while we are doing it or at the end. We must get out of comfortable chairs, enjoy God’s company, walk with other believers, and rise to the heights. Do not forget to take with you the suitable cloth of salvation and faith, water of the word of God and the gospel, and snacks of peace and righteousness. Do not forget to invite a friend to hike with you; company is important.

Blessings!

Pastor Ramy