Get in the car now!

   After finding the letters I wrote back in 1980 I was reminded of something that happened in Elk Park, North Carolina. I was supposed to pick up my resupply box there but I arrived in town on a Sunday evening. I went into a convenience store (the best place for a hiker to get snacks, and ice cold Cokes). I struck up a casual conversation with a guy in the store and asked if he knew when local church services where held. He had just come from his church and the evening service had just ended. I was bummed that I missed it. After being in the woods for a week, it is nice to be inside.....especially in a worship service.
   The guy left and I started putting my stuff back together in my backpack so I could find a place to camp for the night. Suddenly the guy I had talked to earlier came flying into the parking lot, rolled down the window of his car, and yelled, "Get in the car now! They are holding communion for you at the church!"
   Five minutes later I was entering a church with my new friend and found the Pastor and a few church members waiting for me in the sanctuary. Most of the church members had already left, but we still had a very brief time of prayer and I received communion. What an awesome experience! Afterwards I was thanking them for being so kind. They asked me what my plans were. I said that I would find a place to camp for the night and go to the post office the next morning for my supplies. That wasn't good enough for them. They escorted me to their Fellowship Hall and told me I could spend the night there. I had access to real bathrooms, a kitchen, and a refrigerator!
   As I settled down to sleep in my sleeping bag, I was thankful. Thankful for the simple things in life. Thankful for being inside for a night (with air conditioning!) Thankful for the man who took interest in me and went above and beyond the call of duty so that I could make a connection with God and His church. Thankful for the heartfelt generosity of so many people I had met along the way.
   Here in 2011 I am still thankful for many, many things. I also am making progress on my current project. Yesterday I weighed in at 181.4 pounds. I spent the entire day with my lovely wife and completely forgot to blog! Today I weighed in at 181.0 pounds. I went jogging/running yesterday and today. Hopefully the exercise and a reasonable diet will help me continue to make progress.