Walking
My wife has me on a walking plan. It’s a program promoted at the hospital where she works. The long and short of it is we have to walk 7000 steps a day for six weeks. Each evening for the last week we have looked at our pedometer praying it has reached the 7000 mark so we can collapse in our easy chair and vegetate a while before bed. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. Even now as I write this my wife is outside in the dark walking circles in our driveway to meet her goal. I’m sure the neighbors are beginning to wonder about her.
Actually, I love to walk. It’s one of the ways I clear my head and calm my soul. In the past I’ve used walking as a time to pray and a time to think through problems. Sometimes I simply allow my mind to rest as I concentrate on the rhythm of the steps. When I’m fortunate enough to take my walk through the woods (like this photograph) or along the beach I delight in the wonder of creation. Walking often becomes a time of worship in which I give thanks to God, seek God’s guidance, and quietly listen for God’s Spirit. When my wife and I walk together, even when there is silence between us, I experience a communion of friends that comes only in sharing a common activity.
All the experts say walking is good for you. It’s good for the heart. It burns calories. It makes us healthier people. All true, I’m sure. For me, however, the real benefit is not physical; it is spiritual. Walking allows me the time to practice the disciplines of silence and patience. I take the time to appreciate our world in ways I wouldn’t otherwise. I can focus on listening for the presence of God without the many distractions of life. Walking encourages me to slow my mind and create a space for connecting with God and others. I know that walking can be an inconvenience, or it can be nothing more than a goal we have to meet. Alternatively, walking can be an opportunity for renewal and spiritual health. Take a few walks this week. I know I will.
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