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Thoughts from the Trail

2

When I am backpacking, I usually spend some time writing out the thoughts that have rattled around in my brain as I trample along the miles. I thought I would share some of these thoughts in a couple of blog posts. The first one is below, and the second will come out in a couple of weeks. These are from my time on the John Muir Trail, from Duck Lake to Tuolumne Meadows, 53 miles in 4 days – July 2018.

Sunday Night:

  • I am so appreciative for my wife and all she does to support me.
  • So much is perseverance. Last year the snow kept me away. This year the wildfires gave me pause, but I want this trail. Then our tent got stolen and I left my hammock at home, which meant a $140 gear purchase. It will not be easy to get the goals and dreams I long for.

Monday:

  • Today was a tough day, mentally and physically. We started on the wrong trailhead which slowed us down, bruised us up, and added a mile to the day. The altitude was tough, being over 10,000 feet almost all day. Then there was a thunderstorm, and we took cover for a while. And Ben was not feeling well. This was that spot on the trail when I questioned everything and wondered if I should leave the trail tomorrow. But tonight at camp was good: we arrived before 7pm and got a good spot. There are 4 other groups here, but we are spread out enough. Ben and I watched a movie and avoided the bugs. I feel great now, and I know that moments like these – as I drift off to sleep after hiking 10+ miles and hear the river as I sway under the stars – can’t come if I quit.
  • Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, God wants to spend time with me, just because He loves me. Just like I want to spend time with Ben.

Tuesday:

  • Devotion: 1Thessalonians 2:13-17, those who suffer together are bonded. The John Muir Trail will do that!
  • I am so proud of our hiking today. We went 6+ miles and 2500 feet up – all after lunch. This was a mental challenge, and we did it, even though we are very sore. Ben cracked a lot of great jokes this morning on our 6 mile downhill. A 12+ mile total today as we pulled into Rosalie Lake, and it is gorgeous.
  • Sometimes when packing, there are so many thoughts to unpack. I am glad that on this trip I have not needed to do that. This is just time away with God, with Ben, and the challenge of the trail.
  • The next challenges in my life are clear: overflow, capital campaign, building, staff, doctorate, part of planting, loving my family more and more. I see this trip as a challenging refresh, a last breath before the challenges ahead. I don’t want to burn out, but perhaps in the past I shied too much away from the harder things. My family still must come first, and I don’t want to miss my own life, but my gifts are not my own but to be used for His Kingdom. I am truly enjoying seeing my gifts unleashed by God, through humble prayer and in community. I am excited about what is to come.
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2 comments on “Thoughts from the Trail”

  1. Diane Keith says:
    September 18, 2018 at 6:00 pm

    Great thoughts, insights and reflection. You and Ben are doing great we time together. Thanks for sharing such a special time. God bless you and your family.

    Reply
    • Scott Nelson says:
      September 21, 2018 at 1:00 pm

      Thank you so much Diane!

      Reply

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