To Hike or To Drive

Two families decide to travel to southern Utah to visit several national parks and the first stop is the Arches in Moab. Once they arrive they each stop and explore many of the fun spots on the main road through the park. Each family decides that they must see the famous Delicate Arch that they've heard so much about. 

The Smith family decides they will lace up their hiking shoes and take the short 3 mile round-trip hike to reach the arch. Their kid-packed SUV pulls into the parking lot and mom and dad begin to prep the family for the adventurous hike. They dress the kids appropriately, double-knot their shoes, apply sunscreen and top them off with hats. Dad packs 5 water bottles in his backpack along with some apples and nuts. Mom laces up her tennis shoes and loads the 6-month old baby in his carrier. 

Mom and Dad already know that this will be a challenge. With four kids everything is. But this was the plan... they want to complete the hike and make it to the Arch. After waiting in line for a quick bathroom break at the trailhead the Smith family is finally ready to begin and they head off down the dusty trail. 

The Roberts family also wishes to see the famous arch on their trip to Moab. But as they near the turn-off for the trailhead dad and mom decide not to stop and simply drive to the arch viewpoint.  After all, it's much easier and the kids sure don't complain. 

Back on the trail the Smith family has reached the first incline on their journey and the 4 year-old is already asking to be held. Dad throws him on his back and they head up the switchbacks to the top of the rock cliff. The two older boys run up the hill playing tag as they go and mom and dad quietly make predictions as to how long they actually last. "Hey guys, you might want to preserve some of that energy!  We've got a long ways to go" dad reminds them. 

The kids heads are still buried in their gaming devices as the Roberts family nears the lookout parking lot. With earbuds in the kids exit the car in flip flops and the family strolls down the 50 ft walkway and briefly take in a distant view of the Arch. The kids barely amused, mom and dad try to stoke some excitement into the family.  But to them it's just another boring stop on their monotonous drive through the desert. Mom and dad Roberts sigh and they load back in the still air conditioned car and drive away. 

Back on the trail the Smith clan begins to realize that this was not the leisurely stroll they had supposed. But mom and dad decide they will press on and follow through even if it means a little discomfort now. Kids begin to complain and beg to turn back but mom and dad coach them on with "come on guys, it's only over the next hill" knowing it's not true. Mom skillfully devises a game to distract the boys. "We're going to find shade trees as we go. Who can find our next family shade tree?"  

Meanwhile the Roberts family is still driving and the car is nice and quiet, just how mom and dad like it. 

The Smith boys begin to forget that they are hiking and playfully climb and jump off the small formations along the path. A fellow hiker coming down informs them that they are just around the corner and they cheer!  As they come to a flattened opening on top of a huge rock plateau they see an awesome high cove carved out by centuries of wind and water. They scurry to the top and dad snaps more pictures of the moment. Dad climbs up the next rise and this time mom snaps an epic pic of the guys with a muscle man pose!

The Roberts are still driving. 

One more bend and there it is...the payoff!  The Smith family cheers and runs up to the amazing site.  Dad and mom congratulate the boys on conquering the strenuous challenge and there is a real sense of accomplishment in their eyes. 

The Roberts are still driving... The kids are occupied and in their own world... Thanks in part to the decision to skip the hike and opt for the easy way.  This mentality fits the general attitude that the family has gotten used to. The kids are coddled, catered to, given what they want, and have every comfort that life can offer. They are rarely pushed or inconvenienced because mom and dad just want to give them everything they never had. 

After the Smith family takes a few moments to admire the site they head back down the mountain. When they finally arrive back at the parking lot they are exhausted but happy. The kids don't realize that they have just learned an important lesson in life but mom and dad do. When these kids encounter challenges that seem really hard and sometimes impossible to overcome mom and dad will remind each of them that they can do it... that they've done it before.  

Mom and Dad Smith have the ability to provide all that the Roberts family provides and more but they don't. They instill in their kids the value of work to achieve a goal. When the kids want something they earn their own money and hand over the cash themselves to the store clerk. When the kids fall off a bike or scrape a knee mom and dad don't always spring into action. They are taught to be responsible for their actions and deal with the consequences. 

There will be times in your life when the easy way will be very tempting and it will be there for the taking. Just remember the easy way isn't necessarily the best way... and it rarely will be as memorable. Driving down the road you'll have the chance to pass the exits and cruise right on by... but don't. Get out. Get dirty and sweat a little. Struggle and overcome. Earn the reward. You'll be a stronger, happier, more balanced and grounded person if you do.