Thursday, March 13, 2008
- Gloria Ruppel
As far back as I can remember, those holding positions of authority over me, specifically parents and teachers, have encouraged me (with exasperation, to be more accurate) to stay focused. Perhaps I was the original poster child for ADHD before it had a name. As an adult, I've learned to channel my energies in socially acceptable ways, but I still enjoy multiple interruptions as an escape from having to focus too long (like 20 minutes) on any one task.
Something has changed me in the past 4 months. There is a goal that I hope to achieve sometime in my life which will take focus to achieve. This dream has kept me awake nights, gotten me to order books on the topic, and even begin the small steps of training. And I'm letting my hair grow long enough to pull up in a ponytail.
I want to walk the Appalachian Trail. 2,174 miles. All of them. In one season. And, no, I don't know how to camp or even hike long distances. But I'm eager to learn.
And so I've begun to take long walks several times a week, searching out inclines that might approximate the Appalachian Mountains. In Houston that means stadium bleachers. I've bought hiking boots and socks that "wick" (new term for me that makes me feel like I'm part of the hiking crowd). And a sympathetic soul loaned me an external frame backpack to practice with.
Not a day goes by that this dream doesn't encroach on my consciousness...How will I handle going without cookies for an extended period of time? Will I be able to sleep comfortably in a sleeping bag and a tent? Are the bears and poisonous snakes a great enough threat to make me abandon this dream? Not showering daily...need I say more?
Yet with all of these questions, my enthusiasm for this dream only increases. I am determined, yes, FOCUSED on achieving this goal some time in my earthly life, despite friends and family (and a very unwilling husband who is being dragged along) who think that this dream is a bit far-fetched.
What if I lived my faith life with such passion? What if every day I woke up with the same intensity to honor my Lord as I do to get ready for walking the AT (another insider term for the Appalachian Trail)? What if I were as willing to experience the inconveniences and discomforts of living a sacrificial life as I am to hike in the woods for 6 months?
Would others see a difference in me?