Date: 2006-02-26
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: The Wilde's House
Miles today: 0.0

Experiences and Messages...So there a few things that I've been trying to do to make the hiking experience better for the people behind me. For one, I try to pick up any and all trash I see on the trail along the way, I hope those behind me appreciate that which I'm sure they will. I just think if everyone would pick up one piece of trash on the trail a day it would be so much cleaner.Also, God has taught me a few things. First, life has so many twists and turns to it along with so many side trails. The AT for the most part right now is a path that is only about a foot and a half wide - very narrow. Many times you'll come across side paths or a fork in the road to which if you aren't paying attention you can easily lose your way. God has showed me that this is very much like the Christian walk. We have the path laid down for us, we choose to walk it or not. There will be things along the way that might entice us or distract us from our goal, different paths if you may, but none except the true trail will get you to the goal.Also, many times during the day I find myself just staring down at the trail making sure I put my foot in exactly the right spot. I can go hours and hours hiking just looking at the trail, it can get pretty boring. But then I remember that there is so much around me to look at and when I pick my head up I see so much beauty. God has been teaching me that that is like life. So many times we can get caught up in the daily routine of worries, bills, job, school ect...that we fail to realize what the big picture is and when we take the time to lift up our head we can see all that splendor that is going on around us.Another thing is how there are valley's and mountain top experiences in life. It is easy being a Christian guy when it is all smoothe sailing but what about when the going gets rough? I need to love God when I'm in the valleys just as much as I love Him when I'm on the mountain tops.A lot of times the path on the AT is so rugged as well, full of roots or jagged rocks on a steep incline. It can really kill the moral just looking up at what you have to climb. But it is encouraging when those hard times come to just look backwards and remember where you came from and how much you've learned up to this point, almost like a monument of achievement that spurs you on. God can work like that. He gives us those "monumental experiences" from time to time and they can help us and encourage us when times get rough and we are in those deep valleys of life. All we have to do is look back and remember what He's done for and know that He will continue to help us during our journey.Messages...T-Lar - I got your letter and it was really encouraging. I have been praying for you and your brother every day and I am sure you are going to see so much change in him. Keep being a light in his world!Sisters - Thanks for posting on my guestbook from time to time. I love hearing from you all, it makes my day.Dad - Those mountain house 2 serving meals kick butt! I love ya pops.Koinallelos - You guys better be busting those walls down soon. I want to come back after 6 months I hear about how someone threw J.J. through one of the walls, which led to the need to tear them all down. I'm praying for you guys a ton and I hope all is well.Mom - I'm alive and well and having a blast and learning a lot, so stop worrying. lol.Keri - I miss you...so come see me, I'm somewhere on the A.T. on a mountain...lol.Britney - Thanks for the post on the guestbook, made me laugh.All those that are helping me understand the rules of the trail in a tactful manner - I really do appreciate it! Again, I will say that I had no clue what I was getting into and I've very eager to learn. You all have been a great help and it is encouraging to get some great advice from people I don't even know. So thanks again.