Hiking those familiar trails
felt like coming home
to a place I had lived in thrice.
weeks, months, weeks
In a lifetime, short
but pivotal
times
of learning, growing, stretching, straining, singing
laughing, cherishing, changing, celebrating.
Moments on benches and paths
scribbled prayers
tear-stained journal
Surrender and new life.
The Alpine air filling lungs broad and clean
built strong on the spiritual heritage in this place.
I am reminded of lessons learned, mentors gone before, strangers-become-friends who shouldered packs and hiked for hours in front and behind me.
Incompatible tribe
different nations
different ages
different allegiances and preferences
different everything
but one God.
And the strong and fast took the heavy things from the weaker, slowed their pace, took the last place in line.
And we pressed on
and we listened and we tore down borders and we let each other in and we learned to love
in spite of it all.
They taught me that I too can love
those whom I at first didn't like,
with whom I had nothing in common.
They taught me why Church matters,
that I need others
to be fully who I am meant to be.
That those fruits of love,
joy
peace
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness
gentleness
self-control
only grow in the rich soil of community
Fertilized with annoyance and waiting and offense and hurt.
They taught me to go from this place
and put down roots and let people in.
And, eventually, I did
and I am grateful for
that motley tribe and what they teach me still,
when I remember.
is sometimes flat and open and comes easily.
The ground springs beneath my boots, coniferous cushion.
and I have to put my head down
and need an encouraging word to get to the top.
The trail is sometimes muddy
and I have to slog my way through
and progress can only be made slowly.
Sometimes the trail is littered
with branches
or it is closed
and we have to find another way
and there are obstacles to overcome.
Sometimes the fog descends and we can't see the peak
or even the next bend
but
there are trail markers, if you look for them.
And if I missed it someone on my team has spotted it
and they show me which way to take
so we keep going
together.
I am reminded
that I don't need to know what awaits today
or exactly where the trail leads
if I trust the Guide.
(And we never really know it)
I can see the next step, and that is enough
to follow.
