Last fall when I led the kids in grades 3, 4, and 5, along with parents, on my annual “Hiking with Fr. Herb,” I made a comment to them that may or may not have taken root. But my own words have rung in my own ears ever since.

            I told the kids that it would be good to take the same trail often, at least once a month or perhaps once a week, in order to notice little or exciting changes. That is what I have been doing this year.

            Sometimes when I am on this particular trail, the wind is blowing. Occasionally there has been snow. Often it is quiet. I’ve hiked there in the morning, the afternoon, and the evening. Sometimes I am all about getting in some exercise; other times I stop and check out plant growth.

            Since last spring I have seen mammals, lots of flower and weed growth, butterflies and other insects, and various amounts of leaves on the trees. In a more subtle way I also have noted the quiet or noise of the woods themselves. And there is always the slight change of scenery, with branches downed by the wind or deer tracks in the mud.

            There is blessing found in seeing how the same path is never the same two days in a row. How could anyone ever become bored?

Survey the path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.

Proverbs 4:26