Wild Trail

   I saw the movie 'Wild' this week, the story of a woman who walked 1100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. I am inspired by those who have overcome great odds and endured tremendous struggle. But to get there, at some point, that person has to be in it. That's where many are right now, in the struggle.

   One scene in the movie showed the marks on her shoulders and hips that her backpack had made chafing her skin over 100s of miles of walking. As I walked out of the theater that night, I saw my gaunt face in the reflection in the glass door, the result of 8 years with Lyme disease, the diagnosis of which has only become known to me this past year. For the first time in a long while, I liked my face. It bears the marks of my journey. It is a scar I have from living life, my red badge of courage.

   We all have our story and paths of struggle. I am reminding to appreciate what I do have and to recognize the good along the way; God's infilling Spirit, eyes to see, music, dance, and the kindness of others in many ways. I stop to breathe the fresh air along the way and know someday the trail will end.