Walking with Neighbors

When I retired, I moved to the mountains and lived only a few miles from the Appalachian Trail. Each year, thousands set out to hike the entire trail — a months-long journey of nearly 2,200 miles. Hikers must carry everything they need to survive — for days at a time. Many hikers end up tired, sore, and short on water and food, despite their best planning.

Encountering these “thru-hikers” on my day hikes, I was amazed at how they looked out for each other and shared their meager resources. A few ounces of water, a little food, a bandage, an aspirin, or a ride into town could make a huge difference. Strangers formed community. The other hikers became their new “neighbors.”

As Christians, we are called to serve others and take care of our neighbors in need. On the trails I regularly visited, people benefited from small kindnesses. I always brought extra food, supplies, and a well-stocked first-aid kit on hikes. I was enriched by my interactions with hikers; we shared stories, laughed, hugged, and prayed together. What opportunities do we have to serve others? Let us be observant and open-minded, pray about it, and see what surfaces.