Day Hiking

I couldn’t resist. I saw the sign driving into town, and it taunted me all weekend until I gave in. Ever since I first heard of the Appalachian Trail, I was enamored by the idea of a trail that went from Georgia to Maine. At one point in my life, I seriously thought of walking the entire thing, but now I look on and admire those who have.

Sort of like my life of faith.

I climbed out of my car and took a deep breath. Although I wanted to remove my shoes, like Moses, because of the sacredness of the trail, I knew better. I walked an hour in one direction and then back again. For me, there is nothing like hiking to take my mind to places beyond day-to-day logistics. What really matters is clearer when I’m on the trail.

Sort of like my life of faith.

Halfway through, I came across a hiker with a beard, backpack, and stabilizing poles. I asked if he had walked much of the AT, and he informed me he’d walked all of it. He began at Springer Mountain (the trail’s origin) in February and was on his way to Mount Katahdin. “You’re a Through-Hiker!” I said with chills. After he continued on his way, I felt as if I had been in the presence of greatness. Somehow, knowing he was walking the entire trail made me feel better. If I can’t, or won’t, do it, at least there are those who do.

Sort of like my life of faith.

Once I was back at the car, I drove back to my hotel and passed a beautiful church with a sign about Sunday services. Like the AT sign, it stayed with me. I knew I had to return on Sunday. I’ve always loved going to church; it’s a way for me to get back on the trail again, even if for an hour. Maybe I’ll sit beside some “through hikers,” people who live their faith every day. That would give me chills and inspire me to hike just a little bit more.