By Chappy Jack
July 23, 2019
Location: Dalton, Massachusetts
Mile: 1572
Miles to go: 620
Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”.
I have slammed into the proverbial brick wall!! I have reached a level of exhaustion that I have seldom known. Mile after mile of walking and not getting adequate rest and caloric intake has depleted all my energy.
For the first time in this journey, I have considered calling it quits! However, I have heard over and over again, “Fatigue almost always occurs to everyone attempting an AT thru- hike” and, “Before quitting, slow down, quit concentrating on daily miles completed, and take some days off.”
So, I am doing the above, and I am handing this burden over to the Lord! He has promised to give me rest for my soul. I love the word picture of Psalms 23: 2-3, as it says “He MAKES ME (my emphasis) lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul….”
Please be in prayer for me as I finish the last 620 miles. Pray that I get the needed rest along the way and that I allow the Lord to refresh my body, my mind, and my spirit.
May you run and not be weary. May you walk and not be faint. Take a few slower days and savor some blueberry pancakes! Godspeed!
Dear Jack, Just like marathon runners who “hit the wall” you have done the same. And like the same runners, it’s possible to go past that wall. Slow down a bit, rest, pray, and replenish your soul and your body. Then carry on. You’ve come so far to realize your dream. The greatest generals knew when to fall back, then regrouped, and won the war. If not today, then tomorrow. There is no hurry. Love you. Lyn
You came to mind the other day as we hiked part of Bartram Trail at the Chatooga River. I prayed for you (and all the other AT hikers) as we hiked. I can only imagine the level of your exhaustion, as I’ve never hiked more than maybe 8 miles in a single day, much less the day after day you’ve been doing. So, I commit to praying for you daily, and if you don’t mind, I will put you on our church prayer list as well. I pray that you will be renewed through God’s strength and encouraged through the prayers of your siblings in Christ.
Hey Jack
Praying for you in Apollo Beach, Florida. Here are two pages out of my devotional to encourage you!
https://utmost.org/the-key-to-the-missionary%E2%80%99s-devotion/
https://utmost.org/the-faith-to-persevere/
Love your ministry on the trail! Don’t be ashamed to take a few days to rest and mediate. It is not a sprint, but a journey. Praying for renewed strength and vision.
Prayers for renewal of strength and spirit.
Chappy, what a great adventure you have had! I envy the time you’ve had to experience the wonder of God’s creation and to be surrounded by the solitude. I recall the words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27. Take heart and rest in the Lord. He will sustain you. God bless you.
Rest well in God’s presence.
Try to remember why you are doing the trail and rest and stop and be in the moment not just trying to hurry to complete the trail. The sermon Sunday at First United Methodist church of Oak Ridge was on Mary and Martha so don’t just rush the trail be in it.
Chappy Jack, We talked on the phone when you were near Wind Gap. The Lord needed rest and so do we humans. May you be restored in His time. I will add to our prayer list. Blessings upon you!
Relax a bit to refresh yourself, in every part of your entire being. Because, God IS with you and we ARE keeping you in prayer and thought.
You Can do this. Shalom~~
The Lord has got you and you got this Chappy Jack! Prayers for rest and refreshing.
Hi Chappy. I am so proud of you and the miles you have walked. Rest, you fill your belly, you have plenty of time to get there. Double ✔✔ is right behind you. Take care. BLUE and MAYHEM
Hang in there Chappy. Get some rest and fuel your body. Philippians 4:13…I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.
Your witness on the trail is powerful to everyone you meet there. Your impact on fellow travelers is an incredible opportunity for good in a world that has little thought of God or hope for honest men. Get some rest brother, we will pray for peace, healing and strength to be with you. Godspeed.
Prayers brother but you are going to make it. Just a rest and give it to God.
Chappy Jack, don’t be afraid to take that time of rest. The Trail isn’t going anywhere and will welcome you back as a refreshed friend.
You will be held within Green Meadow UMC’s Circle of Prayer as we pray for wisdom, rest, and a re-energized Chappy Jack. Grace and peace …
Blueberries for Blueberry!! 🙂
Oh that bear! Wow.
I am praying for you- my church friends at Wesley are, my Deaconess Home Missioner Friends are… a bunch of folks are praying for you ❤️
Sending prayers for strength as you continue your journey
You are near some friends of mine in Pittsfield . I will send on prayer requests to follow your journey.
I know you can do it. When ever we competed against one another you played with such strength and determination to win. I know you want to finish this and you will. Take a couple of days off to rest and eat well and you will feel renewed.