Walk With Me

Ladies, have you ever noticed how taking a walk can be an awesome attitude changer?  Have you ever been in a bad mood, taken a walk and come home in a much improved state?  I sure have.  Take along a loved one or a friend and the benefits seem to magically multiply.  Along with all the obvious health benefits, this seemingly simple activity can help you focus your thoughts, decrease anxiety, and improve your mood. Why would this be?

When you leave your home and step outside for a walk you are in a great position to enjoy a vast array of God’s blessings: his beautiful creation in the world around you, your body that he made with all of its amazing abilities, and time to commune with him as you leave your busyness behind at home.  Time spent enjoying and treasuring God is always an attitude changer.  God even sends feel-good chemicals to our brain (endorphins) to let us know this walking thing is a good idea.

Walking is one of my very favorite ways to spend time with a friend.  In the past couple years I have had many great walks with close friends as we discuss what is going on in our lives and how God has been working in our hearts.  We tell each other of areas where we are struggling and need prayer and we encourage one another to stay in God’s word and in-line with his will for our lives.  We even rebuke each other if needed, in a loving way. 

I have also gotten to know a few new friends this way.  They may not accept an offer to church or a Bible study, but a simple walk around the block or track a few times is hard to turn down.  It is very easy to carry on a conversation with someone as you stroll side by side; it is a comfortable environment to share your heart in. 

Jesus put many miles on his sandals while on earth.  He was walking by the sea of Galilee when he called his first disciples (Matt. 4:18), he walked up and down mountains to teach and pray (Matt. 5:1, John 6:4), he walked from town to town to preach and heal the sick (Matt. 9:35, Mark 10:32), and he took a long walk with a couple of men headed to Emmaus after he was raised from the dead (Luke 24).  Jesus knew how to “walk well” and, as with everything, he is our excellent example to follow.

We are told in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Walking while sharing Christ and discussing his word is an awesome way to proliferate the gospel.  

So, Ladies, my enCOURAGEment to you today is simply this… take a hike.  Head out your door to enjoy the blessings of God and spend time with him in prayer.  Better yet, invite someone to go along with you: a good friend, a neighbor you are too shy to ask to church events, or someone God has laid on your heart to get to know better.  Lace’em up, Ladies, and let’s go... and if you ever need a walking buddy, you just give me a call!