Last week we journeyed down an unknown road (to us) with hopes it would lead to a spectacular destination. However, nothing about the beginning of the jaunt would have signified anything but the contrary: a pothole ridden road, discarded vehicles littered along the shoulder, and the name Mud Lane. Definitely less than awe-inspiring. Despite all these things, Abby named it a “Cunningham-Crew-Must-Do” and placed it in her “Top 3” favorites of Big Island activities.

Hike is too strenuous of a word to describe this leisurely stroll through the woods. With towering eucalyptus trees framing either side of the pavement, the drive to the trailhead is almost poetic (until you’re jarred by the first pothole). Admittedly, I may have been a little more skeptical as we began to pass old tires and abandoned cars if I hadn’t already been forewarned. As we park our SUV, which is receiving some heavy use thanks to our adventuring, I stow away our valuables and say a quick prayer in hopes that our vehicle will be in the same condition when we return.

Once on the footpath it becomes clear where the name Mud Lane was derived from as deep ruts of cocoa-colored mud randomly appear along the way. Other than the chatter arising from our brood, the woods are enchantingly quiet with only an occasional twitter far off in the distance. The skyscraper forest of striped eucalyptuses creates a canopy at least 200 ft high. ***Did you know eucalyptus trees shed their bark annually, protecting them from moss, parasites, and fungi? It is also what gives the trunks their striped appearance. Eucalyptus can grow up to 300 ft tall, reaching maturity at just 10 years of age!***

30 minutes in and I am starting to get a little concerned. Were we supposed to turn down a different path? Was it left at the teal car or straight? At this point in time, I resign to owning what I think may have been a bad decision. And in that exact moment the woodlands begin to thin and Waipi’o Valley reveals itself in the distant backdrop. (Insert sigh of relief). As we draw nearer to the clearing, the faint sound of rushing waters gently hums in our ears. Almost hidden amongst the overgrown grasses, a worn set of dirt and wooden plank stairs lead us down into a hollow. Steep rocky cliffs rise above us as a steadily flowing stream gushes over the side, tumbling into a freshwater basin.

One by one the kids timidly dip their toes in the crisp clear water. The rocky bottom quickly gives way to a plunge pool where a deep underwater depression has formed from the continual erosional forces of the waterfall. We take turns braving the cold and swim over to the boulder protruding from the cliff face. Natural crevices and knobs create a beginner’s climbing wall of sorts, and with little to no finesse we maneuver our way up to the jumping rock. Springing off the slick algae-covered stone, a sense of exhilaration washes over us as we momentarily plunge beneath the cold dark waters.

Sam, however, is a little more hesitant. Despite adamantly insisting he wants a turn and eagerly scaling the wall, fear suddenly grips him. With legs trembling, he looks to Dave for guidance. As Dave offers him comforting reassurance, a look of determination spreads across Sam’s face and he wholeheartedly leaps off the rock.

• 

• 

It wasn’t until I climbed into bed later that evening, weary from the day’s activities, that I felt God’s gentle nudge. Don’t you love how God uses practical daily applications to reveal his goodness to you? How often do we stand with our knees knocking out of fear of our situation? Perhaps it’s uncertainty of the future, finances, the economy, an election, or a virus. Or perhaps it’s something wonderful, but unfamiliar to us: a chance at our dream job, bringing home a new baby, the start of a journey, or the beginning of a ministry.

The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock – I take refuge in him! – he’s my shield, my salvation’s strength, my place of safety.

Psalms 18:2

Sometimes it’s easy to “say” that the Lord is our solid rock, but fear still paralyzes us, much like it did Sam. He knew the rock wasn’t going to give way, but in his mind, his situation seemed harrowing. So he looked to his loving father, for wisdom and assurance. And because he trusts Dave…he jumped.

We can trust God with all our worries, all our doubts, our hopes and dreams, our future. His love never fails. Great is his faithfulness.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Lamentations 3:22-25