After The Work

Hiking is a wonderful activity; whether alone or with others, it is a joy to consider the Cathedral that is set before us. The trees, terrain, wind in your hair, mountain vistas, lakes, and of course, the creatures that inhabit the woods are a true treasure. The way can get difficult, but hard work is often rewarded with beautiful views.

We can hike alone or with others. There are times hiking alone is an imperative; getting out there with your thoughts, communion with your Higher Power, testing yourself against the elements. However, we are not built for solitude only, but community as well. Hiking with your partner, family, or friends adds a new intimacy with one another and a feeling of belonging to the group.

Perhaps you have been hiking alone. Indeed you are strong! Imagine what you have had to face all by yourself, all the challenges of life, facing trials and temptations. It is like sharpening yourself from what you are to what you hope to be. There comes a time in life, however, when we need this affirmed in our hearts. Others will share with you who you are if you are open to listen, confirming your growth and shaping your future spiritual work.

There are burdens we carry alone, but there are also burdens we are to share with others. People do not live in a vacuum and many people share similar experiences and emotions to yours. Humans are creatures of community and we miss an essential part of being “human” if we keep only to ourselves. Community is as much a part of us as our individuality.

To the introverts among us, this sounds like work! People can be exhausting, especially if you get your energy from solitude. That is why we don’t have to experience community in big crowds, but we can find it in friendship, companionship, and small groups as well. The essence of what we need is what the Greeks called “koinonia” and is the word for community in scripture, knowing and being known.

This beings with our relationship with the Most High, but flows into our companions as well. What are we to know? How are we to be known? We can share our gratitude, joys, and burdens–in time and in proper amounts. There is no sense in sharing all of your self all at once, let people earn the right to know you. A good sense of boundaries and guidance is wise here; a counselor may be a good place to start.

Galatians 6:2 says “2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Carrying burdens for another on the trail means sharing the load. If someone is tired, weakened, or injured others can pick up the load until later. The “law of Christ” is the law of Love. It is loving to carry another’s burdens, for a time. We all must take up our own cross, but there are times when someone like Simon of Cyrene will step in and carry it when we falter; just as he did when Jesus was carrying his to Golgatha. Walk the trails, friends; walk the trails with love.