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I love this sign.  I see it almost everyday as I walk the Greenway around our town.  It makes me smile, and it makes me think. It's silly to suggest that someone would need to be warned about something so foolish, and yet it makes me ponder about the things in my life that I should give careful attention to. 

There are some important things involved in this hike that I should carefully yield to.  For instance, I must yield to the wisdom that God has given me and take care in how I begin this endeavor.  I know for a fact that many of the injuries and trail ending events take place because people begin too quickly and attempt to do more than they are able.  I must learn to hike and know  myself.  I must keep my eyes on the long term goal and not get caught up in trying to keep up with "the others." 

At the same time, I must not yield to the easy road.  Success will only come as I challenge myself and push myself beyond my own personal comfort zone.

Most of all, I cannot yield to my fears.  I know there are parts of the trail that will really push me beyond what I have ever done before.  While out on my practice hikes I have come to streams that seem too difficult to cross, or a rock climb that really challenges my sense of balance and safety.  Inside, I want to turn back and head to the car!  I find myself laughing at the situation and tell myself, "What are you going to do on the Appalachian Trail?  Turn around and go home?"  I have always found a way to go on!

The key is knowing what to yield to.  Stay away from moving trains, and stay close to the living God  Look past the challenges and tests to the joy of the people and events that are before me.

I can't wait.  Just 5 weeks to go.





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