Miles Walked 74 / Temp:  Mid 50's to Mid 70's

Area: Ehrinburg through Quartzite on to Salome, Aguila, and on toward Wickenburg, AZ

On The Run 

What a week! My time at Isaiah 58 Project in Quartzite was awesome. The hearts of all involved were resonated with Jesus and I was truly blessed. It felt like old home week as I encountered and got to know the many different people who either worked in the project or came there for help.

Desert Beauty / Weather

Southern open country high desert has a beauty like no other…strewn with cactus, prickly pear, yucca plants, Joshua trees, bunch grass, and distant mountains pristinely painted in hues of blue, purple, red, and earthen tones...and gorgeous sunrises.  As I walked each day, I caught glimpse of hawks soaring above, occasional road runners darting below, and many interesting insects. And weather…weather has been grand ranging from between mid 50’s and upper 70’s…just perfect for walking. 

Please Read On...

Long Roads

Yet, when one heads off on long roads 90 miles into nowhere which are only occasionally punctuated with small towns, deserted settlements, and the occasional rural postman to encounter…a sense of detached isolation lingers within one’s soul. Passing through remote desert areas offer each of us the opportunity to consider life, ponder our hearts before our Maker, sort through prior decisions and outcomes, put internal struggle to rest, assess our impact on those around us, and to look ahead with faith-filled resolve as we embrace what God has ahead. Yes, walking through life’s deserts can leave one lonely in ways, yet can also be life-giving as one’s heart melts to receive peace that surpasses understanding…

The Greatest People

Over the course of my life, I have learned that God’s greatest people pop up in the most unlikely places where I least expect them. This has happened so many times in my life over the years, that I now view places I do not feel like going as the prime place for meeting a new life-long friend. Most times, we head for destinations we believe offer us opportunity to fulfill our longings, satisfy our appetites, indulge our imaginations, surround us with friends, and leave us with a sense of completion. As the old song goes however…we often look for love in all the wrong places unwittingly overlooking God’s true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy people and resource in exchange for that which does not satisfy. Have you ever wondered why… 

Thus far on my journey…I have been blessed to meet so many unlikely new friends who have graciously enriched my life. Those who impacted me most were underdogs who had risen out of poverty, impossibility, violence, dishonor, and victimization through God’s truth and mercy to extend the love of Jesus they received themselves…to others.   Those who are forgiven most love most… Anyone can be religious, but only few become relationally real to love others selflessly in Jesus’ name. I have been privileged to meet homeless, amputees, divorcees, bikers, addicts, pastors, thugs, government agents, businessmen, country singers, town grumps, churchgoers, reporters, prostitutes, athletes, parents, construction workers, police, store clerks, taxi drivers, secretaries, and more either resisting or being changed by the love of God. I’ve encountered self-elevated religiously pious people all the way to self-debasing broken travelers in life with every imaginable station in between. To this point in my own journey…I find that God’s greatest gifts from those who feel most unworthy, incapable, and accepted by others. Why? Because they know what it feels like to be without and look to others for hope… Most of my rides to-and-from daily walk points come from people with life stories that confront my own reality in ways that leave me humbled, thankful, and honored we met. 

Moving On Toward Wickenburg

My Arizona leg of my trek began in Ehrinburg just east of the Colorado River marked border with California leading me out into the remote on my way toward Wickenburg, AZ. My time on foot this week found me in places without phone coverage, evidence of people, and 20-30 mile straight stretches losing themselves over hills on the horizon.  What would I find I wondered…who would I meet…would the wind blow…would I battle a mountain lion…would I have a blow out on my boot…or would I encounter the presence of God? Many things passed through my mind as I headed toward the third oldest town in Arizona founded by a lone miner and his burro in the late 1800’s. I passed through several little burgs like Brenda, Hope, Vicksburg, Salome, Wendon, Aguila, and on toward Wickenburg. All around me the desert portrayed its beauty as grass danced in the breeze, mountains shown with majesty, cactus began to bloom, and occasional critters came along side to let me know I was not alone. I was honored to find refuge with the pastor and people of Mount Hope Assembly of God Church in Wickenburg who so graciously provided me with friendship, transportation, and a place to park my weary bones. 

Onward Ho

As I walk my last few miles into Wickenburg this week, I will be turning southward toward Phoenix where I am sure God will have more great people from life journey’s untold for me to meet, meld, and mix with while there. Thus far, my cross country trek has already granted me many opportunities to regain vision, fulfill my purpose, and change the world around me one day, one hour, one minute, and…one life at a time. As I come to a close on this week’s post…I am thankful that the sign I read leaving Hope, AZ is not true...

Still, There Is Hope...

Amid my own struggles and sorrows; Jesus renews my strength, brings new joy each morning, and fills me with hope each day! Please join me in prayer for all those around us who suffer pain, despair, loneliness, heartache, and loss during this Christmas season. After you pray…please go “be” a friend to those who have none… God’s richest blessings upon you today! More later… 

On The Road Again,

Greg

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