The Path of Virtue

Pre-Script: This post will be brief and probably unedited due to time constraints.

Yesterday I had the privilege of doing something that I really love – walking in the Lake District. Besides the stunning scenery, the rich, fresh air, and the invigorating exercise, something I always appreciate about this pastime is the symbolism of the journey (see my previous posts on walking). On the way to your goal (the mountain peak), you experience hardships and blessings; you make choices and face their consequences; you work hard and reap the rewards.

On this particular walk, I (re)learned two virtues in particular. The first was patience. Normally on a walk, I like to do the hard part first. On this walk, however, I had to walk for almost an hour before starting the ascent. I began to grow very impatient about half an hour in, and decided to try to cut across country rather than follow the path. As is so often the case when we lean on our own understanding, or follow the way that seems right to us, this ‘shortcut’ ended up becoming more of a ‘long-cut’. Sure, it was shorter as the crow flies; but I ain’t no crow, and had to traverse a thick bog for about a mile. When I finally reached the base of the mountain, my boots were soaked through, my spirits battered. If I had only followed the path set out for me, I would have reached the same destination in less time and with far less hassle!

I learned the second virtue – faith – shortly thereafter. My plan was to climb the mountain via a path that followed a waterfall. Although the path was marked on the map, I couldn’t make it out standing at the bottom of the falls. I again decided to take a detour, which again cost me greatly. Furthermore, when I arrived at the top of the mountain, I could see that there was indeed a path next the falls. So not only did I take an unnecessary detour, but I also missed out on seeing the waterfall. This reminded me that, even if we eventually reach our final destination, a lack of faith can mean that we miss out on the blessings that God has for us.

I was reminded of other virtues as well, not least perseverance – the will to keep climbing, to keep ‘pressing on to the prize’, despite heaving lunges and burning legs. I was reminded of gratefulness – not taking for granted the incredible place that I was in. I was reminded of wisdom – assessing that a steep gully was not the safest route of descent. And finally, I was re-reminded of patience – descending carefully with small, purposeful steps.

This was indeed a path of virtue!