Unmasking God

As I walked along the endless trail,
and noticed all the majestic beauty around me,
I had no idea that the miracles I viewed each day
were spurring miracles within me each day.

As I watched the spring blossoms sprouting,
as I looked out upon the numerous vistas,
as I took in the sweet scents swirling upon the mountain air,
various miracles began unfurling in my mind--
and in my heart.

This transformation was slow and subtle at first
and all I noticed was
how little I was sleeping and how much I was walking.
But I began to believe
that this trail would always provide for me.
Since this adventure had called to me,
I felt that as long as I had faith in myself,
and in the trail, I'd make it to the end.

After all that I had already pushed through,
this trail, though it could knock me to the ground,
would never let me down.
It threw a lot of punches, to be sure.
But it also gave to me
the sweetest moments of serenity,
and a deep feeling of camaraderie.

As I walked, my connection to nature deepened...
I began to feel not only at one with Mother Earth,
but loved by her.
Every breathtaking sight I laid my eyes upon,
felt like a whispered 'I love you'.
Every tree I held or leaned on for support
seemed to mutter 'I'm with you'. 

By the end, I had an entirely new belief system.
One that included a higher power,
one that included the power of prayer.
When I began my journey,
I was certain of one thing,
that I could complete this odyssey,
barring severe injury and illness.
And after summiting the last mountain,
I truly felt, for the first time,
that I am not alone,
and I don't have to go it alone.

I hiked the trail to prove myself to myself,
and ended up unmasking God
and recognizing His presence within and around me.