Apps for hiking

"Trail Guide"

Daniel Boone was a legend in his own time. A woodsman at heart, he spent months at a time hunting, trapping, and scouting out the territory west of the Allegheny Mountains. As more settlers made the decision to move into new regions, his services were often called upon. He knew the terrain, and could show these pioneers the way to get to where they wanted to go. "Trail blazer" is a good description of his life.

Those who love hiking in the woods know about that term "blaze". It signifies a mark on a tree or a rock (usually made with long-lasting paint) that tells a hiker he or she is on the right path. The rule of thumb is that as you stand next to one of these blazes you should be able to see the next one in the distance. (That's not always the case.)

But how to get to these trails in the first place? Modern hikers have at their disposal new technology to take with them on their adventures. I, for example, carry my smart phone with me. One of the apps on my phone will list (if I can receive a signal!) all the trails in the vicinity, giving descriptions and reviews of each. I can also blaze my own trail and record my tracks so others can follow. Daniel Boone is now in my pocket!

Hiking through the mountains is now easier than ever. Wouldn't it be nice if there was such an app for life in general? As a person prepares to trek through marriage or parenthood, for example, wouldn't it be great if someone was there to guide them?

Actually, there's an app for that, too! It's called "the Bible". Whether you have a Bible app on a smart phone or tablet, or simply carry a leather-bound copy under your arm, you already have a guide to show you the way.

The psalmist pointed to this truth: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). God's word can illuminate our way, no matter where we are in life. It has wisdom to give us understanding for all of life's challenging times.

In hiking a trail recently, we came to a crossing of paths that was not clearly marked. The path we chose turned out to be correct - but what if it had been the wrong choice?

God provides for such times of confusion: "Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess" (Deuteronomy 5:32,33).

Daniel Boone was susceptible to mistakes; so is the trail app on my phone. But the Lord's directions never fail. If followed, they always lead to abundant life (John 10:10).

Timothy D. Hall