“Wait momma! Slow down!” Growing up just off the main street businesses in our small town, we often walked a block or two when we needed to go to the store or post office. I remember well my brothers and I trotting down the sidewalk with our mother. She happily strode down the sidewalk with all of us hurrying after her.
We also enjoyed walking on the trails at a nearby state park or on family camping trips. Walking is a good way to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and stretch our legs. It provides opportunity for time alone to enjoy the quiet or to contemplate life as well as time for companionship and conversation with friends or family.
I think of the time Jesus spent with his disciples and other followers. Living in Capernaum, he walked along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and he often walked to quiet out-of-the-way places to pray. As they traveled, can you just imagine them walking through those hills and valleys and stopping in small towns and villages along the way? *
More than just physically walking, “walk” is often used to describe “living.” Walk in his ways. Walk with integrity. Walk in darkness. Walk in the light. Walk in wisdom…
As we “walk,” we choose where we will go and who we will follow. Our walk reflects our values and our character. We choose to walk with others or to walk alone.
I think about my own life, where I have walked in the past and the path I am now following. My prayers are that I will walk faithfully, doing my best to show by that walk the great love of our Creator God. Wherever we find ourselves, may our walk be a daily reflection of Him.
* Matthew 4:12-13, 18; Luke 6:12
