I love to exercise (I know, it's sick). I have very little time to do it, but I try to sneak it in a few times a week.

While I don't mind walking on a treadmill or running on an elliptical (especially if I can watch TV or listen to a podcast while doing it), I don't belong to a gym right now, so I hit the mountains early in the morning. Honestly I like it better.

On a piece of equipment, it's almost too easy to get into an aerobic rut. In fact, if I'm trying to read a book or watch TV, I can get downright lazy. My favorite hillside climb, however, is rocky and uneven. It demands that I pay attention, stay focused, plan my next step and keep my balance--especially when I'm moving fairly quickly.

Sound mildly treacherous? Maybe, but ironically, I've never fallen on the "rough" parts of the climb.

The relatively flat part of the trail is a different story. I've tripped there more than once, and in a really stellar (and five month pregnant) moment, I totally wiped out and ate dirt. Why? I'm thinking because I got too comfortable with how "easy" that part of the trail is.

I was reflecting on this during my morning hike and it hit me how I need to rejoice in the steep part of the climb my family is in right now as we return to homeschooling and begin the search for a new church home. I want to be grateful for the opportunity to test my balance now; and to be reminded that it's always dangerous to get comfortable with a flat or level time.

And, as I power along (just ask my poor hiking companions), I need to never miss the beauty along the way.