I walk a lot. And though often it’s just my dogs and me out there, some of my favorite, most memorable hours are spent hiking fields, trails, and country roads with friends. They always show up beautiful, these women, and diverse: wise and honest. Humble. Vulnerable, curious, unique. Loving, interesting, funny, smart. Brave, devoted. Selfless. Authentic.
I now count author Maggie Wallem Rowe as one of them. Though our hikes were figurative rather than literal, we headed out together fifty-two times as I read each chapter of her new book: This Life We Share: 52 Reflections on Journeying Well with God and with Others.
Maggie’s a “woman of a certain age,” just as I am. Were I younger, I’d seek her out as a mentor—a relational trailblazer who could teach me, by her example, how to live out each of the traits I mention above. I’d buy her book as a trail-guide in which she addresses topics relevant for a lifetime: worry, faith, friendship, perseverance, joy, calling, pain, anxiety, busyness, parenting, grief, prayer . . . and many, many more, each filled with mile-markers of wisdom and humor.
But as her agemate, I’ll hold her book close as a sister, trusting her support and friendship, just as I would if she were joining me in person for a four-mile loop. I’ll again connect with her stories. Ponder her questions at the end of each reflection as if we were chatting. I may even answer her aloud—about life and love, failings and hopes, repentance and renewal.
I’ll hear her encourage me to press on.
Thank you, Maggie. I hope your book arrives like a welcome visit under trees and in stockings everywhere.