One of the things I took note of as I read the book (I have not seen the movie) was of all the instances of people being helpful to Cheryl, this young woman, as she was hiking the trail. There was one time when people were mean to her for no real reason, and another when she felt threatened by the circumstances, but she made it safely away.
But overwhelmingly, people were kind and generous and eager to assist her on the way. They offered her rides and food and places to stay. One woman even massaged her blistered and weary feet once, telling her it was something of a “calling” for her to do things like this for other people. And, of course, people offered her advice and suggestions on how to make the journey -- everything from getting rid of everything she didn’t really need to carry in her enormous backpack to the best positive, gritty attitude for one to have for an adventure like this.
As I read those sections of the book about people helping along the way, I thought of all the help I have received from others on my life’s journey, and I suspect, all the help you have received on yours. I thought of all the help I receive all the time on an ongoing, daily, basis. People who give words of encouragement, who pray for me, who help me do things, or offer. All along the way, it seems, there are those who are willing to lighten the load in some way. I have found this to be constantly true throughout my life, and I hope you have found it to be so as well.
Of course, what this means is that we then need to be those who offer help to others on their lives’ journeys as we are able. It never ceases to amaze me how much help I have received from others as I have gone through my life, and how much help I continue to receive. And it amazes me too all the opportunities that are there to help others.
Grace and Hope to you,
Pastor Duane
