The White Blaze of the AT

      

Over the last couple of days here in PA, we have encountered a number of intersections. Generally the junction is with some sort of service road. 

As one looks to the right and left and observes the condition of the non-AT path or road, several observations immediately come to mind.

   * That path is smooth. No big rocks to be seen!

   * That path is so nice I could push one of my grandchildren down it in a stroller

   * Hmm, so folks in PA do know how to make a path/road that is free of boulders and tons of smaller rocks

   * That path looks so inviting. Probably leads to a parking lot where there are cars. A car could carry me to where all the best of 21st century conveniences are to be had.

But then one looks straight ahead at the other side of the junction. And there it is on a tree or post. The White Blaze of the AT which unerringly guides the thru hiker to either the northern or southern terminus of the 2,181 mile long trail.

As one stares at the blaze, other observations come to mind.

   * The blaze marks a path littered with rocks which are all apparently in cahoots with one another; each just itching to be the one that trips me up.

   * The blaze marks the path which offers very few creature comforts, but a whole lot of potential for encounters with snakes, bears and lots of insects ready to bite.

   * Apparently the path marked by the blaze is one marked out and set up in a way to separate the men from the boys. I can remember when I was a boy.   Wasn't so bad as I recall.

   * The blaze says "although this path is tougher, you must take it for there are lessons it wants to teach you which you cannot learn if you detour on to the easier, more widely used road."

As I have pondered on all of this, I have come to the realization that there is some correspondence between the AT's blaze and the universal symbol of Christianity: the cross of Jesus the Messiah. 

Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that there are two gates which lead to two very different paths in life. Each path also leads to a very different sort of eternal destination.   

One gate is wide and leads to a broad, widely used path because it appears to be so much easier. Jesus said the majority of people will opt for it because if what it appears to promise; even though it leads to eternal judgment.

The other gate is narrow and leads to a path far less traveled. This path offers many special challenges but in the end leads to eternal life.

So the Blaze and the cross are symbols which mark the way to, and along, paths less traveled. But only the cross leads to a destination whose glory and reward will never fade or disappoint.

So let's opt for the path of the cross and for a personal relationship with the One who is called the "Pioneer" or trail blazer of the Christian faith: Jesus.

                                                                             

David Crane