This path is one we descended into the crater of Haleakala, the main volcano forming the island of Mau'i, Hawaii. For most tourists, it is a road less traveled, because the bus tours do not allow the time for such excursions, herding people to the viewpoint (out of the picture to the right) and then off again. As Carrie and I looked into the crater from the viewpoint, we saw this empty trail and for me, it was all I needed to entice me, being the road less traveled.
Most, are satisfied with the common view. Most see the road less traveled with haunting discomfort, seeing its apparent absence of others as a warning sign of potential danger rather than the probability of experiencing a rare and beautiful excursion, an alternate view of something already breath taking. Clearly it is a road and has seen a number of travelers. Sure, the view from the top is indeed breath taking. But the view from inside, having taken the risk that most have not, unfolds the possibility to see uniquely and with the right gifts, capture the moment as most would never have opportunity.
So you see another on this road?
I would wager that you may not have taken the time to carefully examine my image. Is the road really devoid of another? Can you find evidence, even in this lower resolution image of someone else on the road? Actually, there was an European couple, their infant son and young daughter on the road in this picture. Most will not see them unless, as I have now pointed out their presence.
Many see the vast expanse, lacking vegetation and shade as foreboding. Coupled with the island warmth and blazing sun, they sense danger, and surely there is danger for one unprepared, and out of shape. But, because I have been exercising, and because we had both water and snacks for a calculated venture, our trip in and out was not easy, but magical. Sure, it was easier getting in, but the work getting out required pacing and perseverance.
As we passed the family coming up in my photo, it was confirmed to us, that the trip was doable for Carrie and I, and I was hoping they would serve as human subjects for my image when we arrived somewhere down the road, for there were no other subjects to be found as we descended. And, they cooperated. Waiting for the right moment, composing the winding trail in my viewfinder, along with a solo shrub, I depressed the shutter.
I am thankful that my partner in life, Carrie, has come to accept, love and become willing to freely join me on my adventures. It is in her nature, for she ventured away from her miniscule home town to Los Angles to attend Biola college, after already having one degree, pursing her nursing degree. She did so alone, funding it herself.
In those days, I had a budding passion for writing and tried doing so with guys but most guys wouldn't write back to me with regularity. I discovered that female pen pals were great...and safe. It was then, 33 years ago, I introduced myself to her with a letter, prodding her address from another young lady who was a pen pal of mine. My eventual love for Carrie blossomed with it's result blooming two great kids and from one of them, our first grandson, and a deepening love for our LORD, together.
We have a plethora of joys and moments to share from our life together, desiring to share it with our friends. We also had a plethora of struggles and times of exceeding loneliness (even while married) to bear in my life. Carrie and I have discovered that without the struggles we would not appreciate the joys. Together, we have discovered that if the road less traveled were not embarked or embraced, we would not have seen the beauty nor felt the sense of accomplishment others miss or choose to abandon. Mostly though, we am filled with thanksgiving, thankful for the eyes to see in the midst of the venture, great and mighty works of the LORD.
He has given me the only partner whose risk has carried her on this adventure with me. Together we have shared, in abundance, precious and unique views of life many do not. There is a cost to commitment but it is miniscule compared to the riches of working together. Carrie has descended into the depths of my life, as I her. For some, this road is a road less traveled. Our deepest joys can be found on the other side of fear. A most amazing view awaits those who endure, persevere and work together in life. Those who risk little, gain little. My hope is that you find inspiration and are spurred by this solitary blog, to take the road less traveled, take and hold on to risk and those who join you on the venture. What you will find there, I promise, is truly breathtaking.
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