Restoring Faith

Maybe I've mentioned this quote before, but our good hiking buddy, Pa Bert, once said that being on a trail “restored his faith in humanity” (more specifically, the Appalachian Trail).  It seems sometimes we lose sight of the good deeds and loving, random acts of kindness performed every day when we are instead swamped with news of murders and bombings and dishonesty and unfaithfulness.  I’m not suggesting we ignore some of the awful things that happen in our neighborhoods and do what we can to stop it—but instead I am suggesting that we also pay attention to the good things, the out-of-the-heart things, and be grateful, and in turn be givers of such. 

Today, Ben and I were on the receiving end of one of those random acts of kindness.  We were sulking just a bit about a short climb we knew was undoubtedly coming when Ben spotted a parking lot with a picnic shelter.  Thinking there might also be a bathroom, Ben went to inspect.  Not only did he find a restroom, but he also found a group of kayakers who were gathered for a week of river fun (they’ve been gathering for 25 years!).  They saw his backpack and invited him to breakfast—so he came over to invite me as well.  We stayed for a bit and enjoyed breakfast burritos, bacon, cobbler, fresh lattés, and chocolate cake.  It was a wonderful surprise and the best “trail magic” we’ve had thus far. 

After that, our climb seemed like nothing.  Powered by caffeine and love and care from someone else, we felt like nothing could stop us.  Our legs were strong and our hearts were warmed with such kindnesses from others. 

We’ve all heard “love your neighbor as yourself,” but what about strangers?  These kayakers reached out to two stinky hikers they’d never met and offered much-needed calories and warm conversation.  What if I worked on “trail magic” in my everyday life?  What if you did, too?  :)

Life on the trail—if certainly does do something to restore my faith in humanity and reminds me that there is still a lot of goodness in the world, both in the Lord’s creation around me and in His greatest creation—human kind.