At the beginning of this inter-web log post I would like to offer my sincere apology to true hikers.  The thru-hikers.  Those who spend months carrying 20-30 pound packs over 2000 miles on the Appalachian Trail.  Trust me, I realize that it is ridiculous for me to really express any understanding of what it means to hike the trail.

Nevertheless, I have done 115 miles on the AT.  From Springer Mountain, Georgia to Winding Stair Gap (Franklin, North Carolina).  I have some stories and lessons to share, but I do want to make sure that true hikers understand that I know I am not one of them.

In June of 2012 I started out with my 67 year old dad.  We went 30 miles in three days.  I later continued on my own and went another 55. We had an absolute blast together.  Even in our misery we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. We were in pain.  Our feet were throbbing, backs hurting, hips locking up, legs did not want to keep moving, got stung by hornets, could not sleep well, stunk…yet, all I remember with my dad was that I had fun.  By myself, I had no fun.  What is the logical conclusion then? Being with my dad is fun.  Pain, discomfort, heat, injury, smelliness….none of that can take away that being in the presence of my dad is enjoyable.  I like him.  I like being with him.  He made my journey enjoyable.  When he left, I faced the exact same situation, but it was not fun.  The lesson is obvious then, I assume.  I am boring.

Well, I was originally thinking that the obvious lesson is that being with my father brings me joy. Joy is powerful and can override other things in life.  Being with my father is powerful.  Goosebumps, yes or no? Imagine our Heavenly Father.  Imagine being with God.  He came and was with people on earth.  That must have been great…except that they could not quite figure out that they were actually with…the…Father. And then it got better.  When Jesus left, he said that it would be better with Him being gone, because He then could be present with them all the time in the form of His Spirit.  I wish I would have been able to keep my dad with me on the trail.  But I also wanted to learn how to be in the presence of my Heavenly Father.  I am still learning, but I am pretty slow.

Even as I am writing this lesson He is speaking to me.  God just wants to be in our company.  He just wants to be with us.  He does not promise we won’t stink.  Does not promise we won’t have hurting feet, legs, hearts, minds.  He does not promise we won’t be attacked by hornets or people.  Quite the contrary.  He promises us that we will certainly face troubles.  All he really tells us is to have courage, be not afraid, trust Him, love Him, and love others.  And really, we cannot do any of those things if we are not in His company.

I decided to start hiking the Appalachian Trail about one week after my 40th birthday.  I had never done any real hiking, but I knew I want to do something new and I knew I wanted to put myself in a position to learn new things.  I had a pretty good idea I would learn new lessons.  This was a good one.  I have others.  Some of which are just funny.  But this one is my favorite.  I enjoy the company of my father.