People would ask me, “why do you hike?" 

The reason I started hiking was due to a heartbreak. They say it’ll help you move on and so I tried. And without a warning, hiking has become a habit.

As I kept going, I also realized then that I was too preoccupied with my responsibilities, I set aside the things I’ve always wanted to do: to travel and go on adventures, to explore outside of my comfort zone. 

Eventually, hiking also made me realize how vast the world is and how small I was. Thus, hiking motivated me to see more of the world. To experience it. To meet people. To see places I’ve never been. To be somewhere I think I needed to be.

Every hike I conquered was a fulfillment to me. It proved something in myself that no one else can do but me. Self-sufficiency was ingrained in me.

Yet, with more and more hikes I did, I believe I’ve finally had the real reason for it.

I found out that – 

It is not about moving on,

It is not about exploring outside of my comfort zone,

It is not about seeing the world,

But it is the fulfillment of seeing God’s presence in me.

I am fulfilled because – 

I see how God provides for me financially to travel,

I see how God sustains me physically to be fit to hike and conquer the summit,

I see how God delivers me mentally and emotionally – when all that is left is adrenaline, He fills me, and keeps me going to finish off the trail,

I see how God blessed me with these eyes and all my senses to see, feel and experience how wonderful, majestic and breathtaking His creations are – both nature and people.

I am fulfilled, I have joy, I am satisfied because God is always with me and that this life is still about Him and not me.

I am fulfilled because I see all around me God’s power and glory. He sees me, every aspect of me – in my enthusiasm and enjoyment. Especially in my struggles and pain. My fulfillment is nevertheless in Him.

So, if someone would ask me again why I keep hiking and what do I get from this?

I would say, “because every time I hike, I see and experience God’s glory in my life.”