I am basing this story off of the Verse in the Bible “Ecclesiastes 9:9 NLT
[9] Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.”.

God brought my wife, Jessica, into my life when I was ready for humility… Not more and not less ready, a woman I could share all things with, while she assists me in becoming a more Godly man.  In this season, Jessica and I were expecting a baby boy!  With all of this going on, we found a weekend that we felt up for a mountainous adventure.  We set our sights on the Uwharrie.

On this occasion, we were planning to backpack in North Carolina’s Uwharrie National Forest.  As we drove through a new part of North Carolina, the light grew dim and the night embraced us.  We found our home at Hagen Stone Campground in Greensboro.  The trees towered around us and our tent.  But the experience was not like Pinyon or Ponderosa Pine Forest or even Redwood forest.  It simply felt different.  Every facet of this new world was reminding and teaching us of a new season of life. 

The next morning, we grabbed breakfast at Huddle Inn and trail snacks at Lowes Grocery in Ashboro.  Once completed, it was now time for the mountain range we had been waiting for!

We walked through the forest, embracing the experience and lessons God had for our marriage here.  The landscape led to a flat and expansive summit.  Little Long Mountain was inspirational.  Jessie and I spent the evening embracing the adventure of this new chapter.  Our son’s first backpacking trip.   By sundown, the colors in the sky lit up and surrounded us in a reminder of God and his goodness!   The sun made its pilgrimage as we looked at the stars through our tent.  Hearing the song, the Grasshopper,  Cicadas, and Frogs.  It was peaceful even though nature’s song was loud to our ears.

The Mountains in the distance were gripping,  allowing us onlookers to want more… The mountain we stand on is rejuvenating.  The leaves of the shrubs stood out with confidence, the air was pure, and excited to share the space with us… The Uwharrie!  A new mountain range to us, a new friend, a place that God created in his splendor.  A Range that has played a powerful role in our marriage.  For the land teaches of his goodness and grace. 

The next morning, Jessica and I picked up our camp and made our way home.  Taking our time…. As not to rush the blessings of the weekend, but to only give thanks to God for his goodness and mercy!

-Sky