Date: 2006-04-17
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Although we only hiked 12.5 miles today, we all agreed that it seemed like the longest 12 miles yet. We're still here in the Smokies and everything is beautiful. The hikes are long, but the scenery and views from over 4,000 ft elevation are very rewarding. We woke up to a very foggy (smokey) morning, but as the day continued it would soon clear off and leave us with an ideal spring day. Our same group was spread out while hiking again today, but we ended up stopping at the same place on the trail for lunch and are camping out again tonight. The shelter is completely full, so some of us our back in our tents tonight. Although the shelter ended up not being so bad last night, I still prefer to sleep in my tent. As I was hiking, most of the morning I spent my time focusing on the trail section I was attempting and on all that was around. After lunch, I got in the "zone" and just walked. For the next 6.5 miles, my thoughts turned towards the DLHS basketball team back in Nashville. I started wondering what was going on with all of the girls and other coaches at school. I wondered how their spring sports were going, what their plans were for summer camps, how would they be spending their summer, on and on and on. I'm going to miss not being at any camps with them later this summer, but will be so excited to return this fall. I thought about each girl and what strengths they each have to contribute to the team. I thought about ways each of us could improve in order to make next season even more enjoyable. I was making a mental list of pros and cons. Then I started thinking about motivation. What motivates this team? What specifically motivates each member of the team? What could I do to improve as an assistant and to help motivate and be a positive influence? I'm constantly searching for ways to motivate and encourage, and want so badly to learn what works best. After a while, my thoughts then turned towards the concept of fear. I got to thinking about what fear really is and where it comes from. How many times do we NOT do something, try something new, speak to someone, give a compliment, ask a question, or go out on a limb- all because we are afraid to. Sometimes, I'm afraid of failure, or looking like a fool, or am more concerned about what others will think or say. How can I encourage others to NOT be afraid to try new things or to attempt something that seems impossible? How can I teach others to worry about what God would say instead of what others would say? But, then again, I am in the same boat sometimes. I get caught up in pleasing others that I forget in trying to please God. I should be afraid of failing Him instead of fearing others. God help me to overcome bad fears and to stay confident in You. Give me the right attitude and mind to focus on pleasing You- not others. My only fear should be that I am scared of failing to follow Your voice. Allow me to get my attitude and thoughts in place, so that I may share them with others. Thank you for constantly working on my heart today and for showing me ways to improve so that You may work through me.