Inspiration can strike anywhere anytime and this time, it struck Peggy Hoffman* while enjoying some crisp mountain area in central PA! Read on for her insights into guiding your chapters on their path to success.
Embarking on a hike is much like guiding chapters to achieve their goals. The journey begins with clear markings along the way, providing direction and assurance. These markings, whether seen from a distance or up close, are essential for navigating the path ahead.
Clear Markings: The Blazes
- Single Blaze: This indicates a straightforward path. Just as a single blaze tells hikers to follow the trail, clear instructions help chapters stay on course.
- Double Blaze: This signals a turn ahead or a path intersection. Similarly, chapters often encounter decision points where guidance is crucial.
- Explicit Signs: Sometimes, we spell it out with a “This Way + arrow” sign. These explicit directions are akin to detailed guidelines that leave no room for ambiguity.
Obstacles on the Path: However, the path is not always smooth. Hikers often find the trail obstructed:
- Fallen Trees: Just as a tree might block the way, chapters can face unexpected obstacles that require detours or creative solutions.
- Mud and Crevices: These represent the tough, messy challenges that chapters must slog through, testing their resilience and determination.
- Faded Dots and Missed Signs: Sometimes, the markings are faded or nearly invisible, much like gaps in details or resources that chapters might encounter. These require extra attention and effort to navigate.
Scrambling Through
- Dead-End Bridges: A bridge that ends at a fallen tree stump symbolizes a promising path that suddenly becomes impassable. Yet, with the path ahead visible, it takes scrambling and perseverance to continue.
- Visible Yet Challenging Paths: Even when the way forward is clear, it often requires effort and ingenuity to follow through.
The Path We Lay for Chapters
Is this not the path we lay for chapters? Some markings are clear, others faded or missing. There are gaps in details or resources, but with determination and the right guidance, chapters can navigate through.
Just as hikers rely on blazes and signs to reach their destination, chapters depend on clear instructions, support, and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The journey may be challenging, but with the right guidance, every chapter can find its way to success.
p.s. This post was written by Peggy Hoffman with a little help on the poem from Microsoft Co-Pilot. The hike was all her’s … accompanied by her partner and husband Peter Houstle, of course.
The Hike
With clear markings along the way,
Seen from afar and up close each day.
A single blaze, follow here,
A double blaze, a turn is near.
Sometimes we spell it out, “This Way,”
An arrow pointing, no delay.
Yet often, the path is obstructed,
A fallen tree, our route disrupted.
We come to mud, a deep crevice to cross,
A faded dot, a sign almost lost.
A bridge that ends at a fallen tree,
The path ahead, a scramble to see.
Is this the path we lay for chapters?
Some markings clear, others in tatters.
Gaps in details, resources thin,
Yet with guidance, they begin.
To navigate through, to find their way,
We must maintain the path each day.
Clear the fallen, mark anew,
So others can follow, steady and true.