You are on a journey of more than 2,000 miles. On foot you traverse mountains and valleys, the wild places with occasional pockets of humanity sprinkled in. You are filthy and exhausted. Your feet are blistered and bloodied from the trail pounding on your soles. Your shoulders and neck ache from the backpack burden you hoist. Your spirit is in need of a jolt. Suddenly, magic! Trail magic to be exact. Perhaps an ice cold Coke or a warm shower at a hospitable stranger’s home. Or maybe it’s a ride into town to restock supplies, a few less miles on your feet. This magic was just what you needed to bolster your mood and your courage as you continue on with endurance.
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“Trail magic is an act of goodwill you can perform or a remarkable moment that you might experience,” The Pacific Crest Trail Association.
Motherhood is a pilgrimage, and several of my trail magic moments have come in the form of my friend Courtney.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised when Courtney’s message appeared. We were friendly but didn’t know each other that well. I didn’t have many friends around me locally who were young mamas, and the message reassured the deepest parts of me.
Another trail magic moment was when my newborn and I were welcomed into Courtney’s home for homemade pesto, warm conversation, and a walk. Courtney openly shared her mama stories and struggles and wins. Encouragement poured out of every fiber of her being. That day, she invited me to a new mama community she had recently joined and a few weeks later, I went to my first Thursday morning gathering. This group of mamas and babies has been a game-changer and so life-giving to me.
Then, if all those moments weren’t enough trail magic on my journey, Courtney agreed to watch Jael when I needed intermittent child-care so I could work part time. She willingly took on the craziness of a newborn even with her toddler. They played with my girl and sent me pictures throughout the day. I never had to worry about her on Courtney days, my heart and mind were completely at ease.
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I’ve never been quite sure how to thank Courtney for all of these trail magic moments, but I’m learning how to fill my backpack with the qualities that she does and sprinkle the magic on to other Mamas.
Qualities to Emulate -
Listening to and obeying the voice of God throughout the day
Space and freedom to instigate and foster curiosity, innate personalities, and giftings in our children and those around us
Open-hearted and open-handed extending home, energy, and resources
Organization and excellence navigating home and business (and Courtney is flourishing in both!)
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Courtney,
I am so incredibly grateful for you and your willingness to partner with God on revitalizing those around you! Thank you for leading with humility and for showing up! Your family, friends, and community are so blessed to have you. I pray that you feel God’s guidance, favor, and grace on each day.
The ending verses of Proverbs 31 come to mind when I think about you,
“Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
‘Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
Thank you for showing up with trail magic for this mama life, and for actively demonstrating qualities for us to carry on our journey with us. As you keep trekking, I speak the blessing from Numbers over you - “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Elizabeth, your words are a true gift. YOU are a gift 💚 Feeling so seen and loved. Oh, I love you my friend.
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