Multnomah Falls.  We did it.   We made it!   We hiked all the way to the top.  We thought it would be easy, listed as a moderate trail, only 2.2 miles long.  I just had not accounted for the continual rise in elevation;  that to actually get to the 2nd highest waterfall in the country, to see the spectacular views from such a height, you would have to go – up.  As in not easy.   As in, why am I having a hard time catching my breath??   But up we went, and push on we did, though we had to stop and rest often.  There were more than a few times when I asked myself if we should we just turn back?  Eleven switchbacks!  Is it worth it?     Steve was so patient, “We can turn around if you want;  but I think you can do it!  We’re almost there!”   I wanted to do it for him almost more than for myself.  It gave me that extra determination, I guess, to keep going.     And was it worth it?  Absolutely.

The view was amazing.  The power of the waterfall – breathtaking!   And there was space at the top to just sit and rest and take it all in.   Time to recover and enjoy the view and smile at each other and say,  “Way to go.   I’m so glad we pushed through,”  without having to speak a word.

On the way back down, I noticed he was greeting  everyone we passed on the narrow trail.  I wasn’t surprised he was being friendly, but seriously, every person?    Then I got close enough to hear what he was saying.    “You can do it!   Keep going!   Yes, it’s worth it!   The last two switchbacks are actually down hill – so that means you only have 3 more, instead of five!   It’s worth it!”

I smiled.  My faithful encourager, giving hope to those who were running out.   Giving back to others what probably would have helped us had we heard it when we were where they were.   A voice of someone who had been there, done it, and was spreading the word for others that they could do it, too!    Even when they felt they could not!     The looks on their faces varied.   Some just looked at him and breathed harder.  Some didn’t even look up.     But some – some actually responded with,  “Really?   Only 3 more hard ones?   Is it really worth it?   Really beautiful?”   And he would smile, and with sincere excitement, cheer them on again!   “Yes!   You’re almost there!”

On April 30, 2018, Steve & I will celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary.    30 Years.  What an adventure we have had!    We thought it would be EASY!   We were so in love, best friends for years, and dated seriously for six!  (Yes, you read that right:  we dated for 6 years…)  We had the Lord, the same values, and great families for support!  We were ready for the heights!!  We were pumped and full of excitement.   We just hadn’t accounted for the continual rise in elevation;  that to reach our highest dreams and the beauty of a spectacular marriage, we would have to journey up – and on – through the hard times, the painful moments, and times when we wondered if it were worth it.   We didn’t realize the destination would require a pressing on, a perseverance; it would require all we had.

We feel like climbing all the way to 30 years has brought us to the most beautiful place, the most amazing view, and we are here to say, “IT IS BREATHTAKING!   IT IS WORTH IT!”    We have taken some time over these past months to actually sit and take it all in! To look back at how far we’ve come, to thank God for such a beautiful climb, and smile at each other while saying, “I’m so glad we are here!  I’m so glad we pushed through!” without speaking any words at all.

And now?   We are still journeying, but it feels like it’s getting easier, like we have crested a peak, and are able to enjoy, even RUN, downhill as we go!   And AS we go, we are so excited for YOU, and anyone taking this adventurous climb called marriage!   We are able to see and remember how it was to be in the earlier stages of it, and we are here to say, “YES!  You can do it!   We’ve been there!   It’s possible!  It’s not easy, but it is SO WORTH IT!!”

We want to take 30 days to celebrate our 30 years!   We want to share a few things we’ve learned, some mistakes we’ve made, and some grace God has kindly given us SO THAT you may be encouraged!     You may be breathing hard and a little skeptical of such a blog.  You may be thinking you’re already considering giving up.   We understand.   It can be so hard.   But you may just pause long enough, look up long enough, and let your heart be open to some encouragement:    “We’ve been there!   We didn’t do it all right; but we’ve experienced the beauty!!     We’ve seen some heights!   We want you to know:  YOU can do it!   It’s worth the effort!  It’s worth even the pain!   The promises of “breathtaking” are TRUE:  God, the architect, has designed the most amazing journey, the most spectacular adventures, and the most joyous peaks!  He has been our Encourager, given us strength when we had none, and filled us with hope when ours was running low!   He has blessed us along the way with more than we could have asked for or imagined, according to His power and goodness to us!

So we’re taking the next 30 days to blog and share.    If you and your hiking buddy want to join us on this leg of our journey, we’d love to reminisce, laugh a little, and  testify to how good it can be!  And wherever you are in your adventure, we can honestly and truthfully say, “Don’t give up!  It IS worth it!   And you’re gonna love it!”

Lori and Steve

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”                                                               1 Corinthians 13: 7