Another interesting afternoon at Vienna Coffee House, one of the Maryville-area coffee shops I frequent. A couple of times each week, I spend a few hours drinking coffee, listening to music, and trying to turn ideas into books. While some authors prefer writing in quiet solitude, I’m inspired by the sights and sounds of humanity milling about. Everyone has a story. 

Earlier this afternoon, I found my usual spot in a comfy chair and began writing. Two millennial fellas sat across from me. One was engrossed in his cell phone and the other was devouring a Turkey Pesto Panini as if time were running out on a food shot clock.

The cell phone guy glanced over at me and noticed the hiking boot and Appalachian Trail stickers on the back of my laptop.

“Excuse me, sir. You familiar with the AT?” he asked.

“Yeah, pretty familiar with it,” I answered.

“Ever hike any of it?”

“Yep, I’ve hiked the whole thing.”

With that, his face lit up and his buddy looked over, mustard dripping from his chin.

“You’re a thru-hiker?!”

“Yep, did the whole thing in ’16.”

“Wow!” They were in shock. Cell phone guy looked over at his buddy, then got up and sat down in the chair next to me. “Mind if I ask you some questions.”

“Go for it.”

Over the next 30 minutes, he enthusiastically peppered me with dozens of questions about the AT, and I responded in kind. I have a strand of AT in my DNA and never tire of the subject. No one can “out enthusiasm” me on the AT. On my deathbed, just before they pull the plug, I plan to mutter something about the Half Gallon Challenge.

Some of cell phone guy’s questions were the usual ones—bear sightings, conditioning, hardest part, best section, gear, etc. Others were unique to him and his buddy. They are from out of town, are leaving tomorrow, and wanted to get in a hike before sunset. That led to a discussion of area trails and the pros and cons of each. I pulled up a few recommendations on my laptop and they snapped pictures of each. We discussed my AT books and they plan to check them out.

As I type this, the fellas have likely parked their car at Cades Cove and have arrived at Spence Field shelter on the AT. If they keep their pace up, they have a decent shot at getting back to their car before sunset.

I wonder if I’ll ever see them again. Unlikely, right?

I wonder if there would have been a conversation, and how it would have gone, had my laptop sticker been not of the AT, but of a cross.

I wonder if I would have been as enthusiastic in sharing my faith as I am in sharing my AT knowledge.

I wonder if these two fellas believe in God. I wonder if anyone has helped them connect the dots between the amazing Appalachian Trail and the even more amazing God who made it.

I don’t wonder if it was a missed opportunity. It clearly was.

So, I just ordered a cross sticker for my laptop from Amazon. If it doesn’t prompt a bystander to inquire, maybe it will prompt me to take a chance.

Unfortunately, Amazon doesn’t sell courage. That comes from within.

Only I can share my faith.

I’m asking God for another chance.