The Faith Walk in the Woods
Thoreau lived in the turbulent times of the mid nineteenth century.
Rachel lives in the turmoil of today.
Thoreau sought nature. “An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”
Rachel seeks nature to bring her solace from her overwhelming life.
Forgive the use of third person, I’m feeling detached, disassociated.
Rachel is exhausted by a life well lived and needs to replenish, and the only place that holds sanctuary is in nature herself.
The Mother.
Rachel lay in the hammock by Bayou St. John, where many a times she has watched fishermen with a deep seated respect tinged with envy.
Thoreau said, “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”
Rachel is overwhelmed by work that barely pays the bills or replenishes the soul, and she knows the work that needs to be done to heal the world, but it’s a balancing act.
Thoreau wrote: If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Rachel acknowledges Thoreau for setting an example, and she continues to walk the faith walk despite it sometimes feels akin to swimming through jello.
When Rachel looks up, she likes what she sees.