Hi, I'm Willow Belden and you're listening to Out There, the podcast that explores big questions

through intimate stories outdoors. So here's a fun fact. Solar energy was used as far back as the

7th century BC. There are records of people back then using magnifying glasses to start fires. I actually remember

doing a science experiment like that in probably first or second grade. We took a magnifying glass

outside into the sun and we held it at just the right angle and we were able to start burning a

piece of paper. I remember being totally

fascinated by that. Solar energy has obviously advanced a lot since the 7th century BC, but it's still

really cool. Our sponsor for this episode thinks so too. They are a renewable energy company called Renegi, and they make solar products for your home, business, RV, and more.

For 10% off your order at Renegy.com, enter the promo code out there at checkout.

That's R-E-N-O-G-Y.com promo code out there.

Everyone suffers in some way. Sometimes it's really obvious. Other times it's less visible. But it's pretty much

impossible to go through life without it. Some amount of suffering is inevitable. And in general,

we hate that. Suffering is not fun. But what if hardships actually serve a purpose?

What if we can gain something from our trials and sorrows?

What if the struggles we try so hard to avoid could actually enhance our lives?

Megan McLaughlin brings us a story today about finding the sweetness in

suffering. And a quick note in case you're listening with kids, there are a few places where

adult words are used in this story. I'll let Megan take it from here.

It was the first day of my first backpacking trip, and I was seriously regretting it.

My adventurous younger sister and I were in Big Bend National Park.

The first stretch of our trek was straight up Emory Peak, the highest point in the park,

and my 40-pound pack was heavy.

...