A hiker was ambling along a woodsy trail when he saw another
hiker approaching. As usual, the first hiker moved to the side to let the
second hiker pass, and they exchanged a “hi”. They paused and commented on the
beautiful fall colors, and when the first hiker turned to continue, the second
asked him if he was “saved” and if he had accepted “Jesus” as his personal savior.
This really took the first hiker by surprise. He answered that he wasn't a Christian,
but that he knew well the teachings and life of Jesus, and tried his best to
live a good life. The second hiker told him that he was a sinner and unless he
changed his ways and accepted Jesus as his personal savior, he would burn in
hell for all eternity. The first hiker then told the second that although he
had done some bad things in his youth, and still struggled with some judgmental
issues, he had changed and strived to do good. In fact, he said, he was
actually trying to live up to the ideals ascribed to Jesus, but didn't live his
life with the “WWJD” test for every decision. The second hiker loudly told him
that he was pursuing hubris instead of humility, and would certainly face eternity
in hell. With that he turned and strode off.
The first hiker continued along the trail for a few miles
and gradually the beautiful day erased the distaste of the conversation. As he
was topping a long up-hill grade he turned a bend and saw another hiker sitting
on a fallen log that had been chain sawed into a bench. They said “hi” and the
seated hiker mentioned that the first looked tired from the long up-hill slog
and told him he would be happy to share the bench. Without being asked again,
the first took off his day pack and sat.
The seated hiker said “My name is long and from an ancient
language, but my friends call me Jay”. The first hiker said “Nice to meet you
Jay, my name is - - “ when Jay interrupted him quietly. “I know your name. I
just wanted to tell you personally that the fellow you were talking to a couple
of miles back was completely wrong. I apologize for overhearing the
conversation. It seems to me that he is the one with the problem, and that you
are headed in the right direction. My advice is to keep doing exactly what you
are doing now and don’t be influenced by false prophets like that guy. He has a
long way to go before he sees clearly, but you are there. Nice to meet you
William. Keep up the good work.” And with that Jay stood and walked back down
the trail, around the bend, and was gone.
William was amazed, and figured that Jay must have been just
ahead of him on the trail and just within earshot. But the trail was pretty
straight, and he saw no one ahead. He got up and continued on and as often
happens when hiking, he reviewed the whole event in his mind. He decided that
Jay was right, although how he didn't really understand, and silently said “Thank
you Jay. Good advice. Let’s hope the other guy gets with the program.” Immediately,
a voice came back and said “William, just remember that I will always be here
for you if you need me. And you are on the right trail. And one final thing. It
is I who thank you. For who you were, who you are, and who you will become.”
William paused on the trail and thought that it would take
some time to figure out what that was all about, but he already suspected that he knew
who “Jay”
was. And he wasn’t surprised.
Image: http://www.bouldercoloradohiking.com/wp-content/gallery/longcanyon/hiking-path-in-the-forest.jpg
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