Bringing Up the Rear
making sure we all arrive at the destination
“I’ll take sweeper,” called out Betty, a petite, white-haired septuagenarian, as she stepped out of line and fell in step behind the last hiker.
Sweeper. I hadn’t heard that word for a long time—since hiking class back in college. Not that I didn’t put it into practice out on the trail. I just hadn’t put words to it.
Betty wasn’t the youngest among us. She wasn’t the strongest. Nor was she the slowest. But she was the one who took responsibility for making sure we didn’t leave anyone behind due to injury, fatigue or plain old getting lost. A lifelong Montana resident, Betty belonged to a hiking club and she knew her stuff.
A healthy, well-functioning, safe hiking group travels as fast as its slowest hiker. It’s the sweeper who watches for the slower ones. By offering to serve as sweeper, Betty had volunteered to bring up the rear. In a word, Betty was helpful.
True in Life. True on the Trail.
Just as in life, there are roles and responsibilities out on the trail. Aside from the sweeper, a group traveling together should have a leader who walks up front with the goal of getting everyone to the desired destination in good shape. The leader’s job is to watch the trail. While the leader is out front, finding the way and setting the pace, the sweeper keeps busy watching the people and advising the leader when adjustments need to be made.
According to this post, 80% of people believe they are leaders—and better than average ones at that. Here’s the thing: True leaders are servants and servants are helpful. Sometimes they lead—and serve—from the front and sometimes they bring up the rear—practicing loyalty by helping and encouraging their group and the people therein, doing their part to make sure they all get to the destination in good shape.
Your Turn: Pause and Reflect
Do I think of myself as a leader?
Am I helpful—willing to bring up the rear?
Do I listen to others?
Who in my life needs my help?
Who needs my encouragement?
take heart & happy trails ~ Natalie 🥾
Portions of this post draw from “Walking Together,” also by Natalie.
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Dan Zehner is a dad and an adventurer at heart. For years, he’s used GORUCK gear to become more physically fit and be better prepared. They’ve been around for over 10 years, and he’s been using their packs for the past eight. Their gear is made to stand up to the rigors of life, made in the USA, and designed by former Special Forces soldiers.
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