Pioneers and Trail Blazers

Via Brad:

Glocalnet has a valuable discussion entitled "Pioneers: Building Blocks for the Future." Here's my two cents:

Not always-- but sometimes-- people are pioneers because constant movement and activity keeps them from facing deeper issues.(The Medievals recognized this as evidence of a spiritual condition called "acedia"). It is important for pioneers to understand their motiviations. Are they blazing trails because they are on a quest for something yet to be revealed, or are they running away from something? Are they being drawn by something up ahead or are they being chased by something from behind?

I live in the Northwest, where loggers come from pioneer stock. Sometimes when land is cleared it is prone to erosion and landslides, and valuable natural habitats are lost. Pioneers have to be careful where they swing their axes,so the spotted owls, salmon and steelhead aren't driven to extinction. They need to be sure there are some settlers who are following them to cultivate the land, so that it won't wash away.

The best trail blazers are conscious of their own souls, their environment, and those who might follow in their footsteps.