Last Minute Thoughts

 Yep, it's almost here! 3 days and counting.  And yes, I'm mostly packed. Just don't forget something REALLY important, like my passport. Next time I post I'll be in Portugal!

Someone in the group had suggested a communal prayer book, with a different person adding to it and carrying it each day. I think it's a great idea! It builds team spirit, encourages contribution and makes you feel wanted. Here's what I came up with:

Proverbs 15:1—“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Think of how this applies to today’s world. How much better would things be if we spoke 

kindly and respectfully to each other? That goes for both sides, Trump on one side, 

mandates on the other. What we hear on the news and online is punch and counterpunch, 

words of disagreement and hatred. Both sides trying to outdo the other with negative 

language. And look where we are.

The joy for me in the “hiking bubble” is we treat people like people, regardless of their views 

or what they look like. We’re all just people out here, treating each other like humans. At 

least that’s what I hope for! Liberal or conservative, White or Black, Canadian, Australian or 

American, gay or straight. For the next two weeks, let’s at least respect each other as 

humans. Speak gently, turn away wrath, don’t get angry, and let’s have fun. If we learn one 

thing during our time together, learn respect. I think we can all agree on that.

Father, though we come from different backgrounds and have different beliefs, let us 

respect one another and speak gently. Let us not act in anger but in understanding. In Your 

name we pray, Amen


Safe travels and see you on the trail!

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