Re: [pct-l] What is success?

[Owen <jrowen@ibm.net>]

reynolds@ilan.com wrote:
> 
> With all due respect, most backpackers DO NOT measure success as completing
> 2700 miles of trail between Mexico and Canada. That is a wonderful goal . .
> . . for some.
> 
> For me success is:
> "To do justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly, before my God"
> Eh?


Tom - 
I wouldn't disagree with anything you've said there.  Thruhiking isn't
for everyone and more than surfing or skiing or skydiving.  

I should maybe apologize because that post was part of the series that
I've written "for thruhikers".  But it hasn't been put out on pct-l,
only to that subset of pct-l subscribers who requested it.  So you
missed the introduction which would have specifically defined the
boundary conditions for the series.  

The post went to the full list this time because it applies to some
things that have been happening in the trail world - not only on pct-l
but in other places as well.  And while I may not be able to "cure" all
the ills of the world - or even the trail world - I won't stand silent
while others perpetrate nastiness on their fellow hikers.  

Now - one of the things I live by - 
"What I am is God's gift to me, what I become is my gift to God" 

Or perhaps you'd prefer:

> It costs so much to be a full human being that there are very few who
> have the enlightenment or courage to pay the price.  One has to abandon 
> altogether the search for security and reach out to the risk of living with 
> both arms.  One has to embrace the world as a lover!  One has to accept 
> pain as a condition of existence.  One has to court doubt and darkness 
> as the cost of knowing.  One needs a will stubborn in conflict, but apt 
> always to the total acceptance of every consequence of living and dying.  
> 
> Morris L. West
> from  Shoes of the Fisherman

It continues from there - and it'll end when I've finished what I've
been sent to do.  

Walk softly,
Jim

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