By Frank Alioto

I write these words to you as I am in the middle of a trek across the Himalayas in the shadows of Mount Everest and all the other great 8,000-meter monsters.

Our goal is to hike over the highest mountain passes in world while taking in the sights and sounds and the amazing people of Nepal. We have completed two mountain passes of almost 18,000 feet so far, and with each wonderful view and celebration at the top is the reminder of how difficult it is to keep going.

In any journey it is important to have a goal, but the learning along the way is where growth occurs.

The cold, terrain, sickness, elevation and unknowns of this trek have made this a difficult pursuit, but we are blessed to have a trek leader who has been here before and knows what it takes to have a successful trip.

I have learned from day one to keep my sights and steps focused on this leader as he knows the way.

Those in relationship with Jesus are encouraged to have the same dependence: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2a).

The word “fix” means to concentrate your gaze on one thing and to look away from all the other things that can distract you. On this trek it means watching the boots in front of me as I gasp for air at high altitude and stay on the trail.

In life this call means to keep looking to Jesus and His Word even when our feelings, culture, temptations, experience and resources or abilities pull us away from depending solely on Jesus. Jesus has paved the way and gives us the power through His Spirit to stay on course.

The outcome of this life of following Jesus means that our faith grows and God makes us into the people he has designed to do His work in this world for his glory.

Sometimes it takes going half way around the world to learn how to “keep in step” as I journey.

In what area of your life are you distracted and how can you “keep in step” and re-fix your eyes on Jesus? Look to Jesus and keep in step to follow His call on your life!

Frank Alioto serves in our community as a chaplain and pastors at Roots Family Church, which meets at Ammo Can Coffee in Soldotna on Sundays at 10 a.m.