Want to Walk?
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)
It was almost a year ago when my doctor told me I had a fractured pelvis in two places. The pain was unbelievable and every step was agonizing. That somewhat healed and then I had the knee replacement. Another adventure in pain! For exercise, Michael and I used to take walks out the driveway and up the road first with my walker and then I progressed to my cane. While it was still painful, I knew it was good for me. I do remember those walks with fond memories. Our conversations were deep and loving. Jeanette Levellie (Mornings with Jesus) shares her walks with us.
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“Do you want to walk?” my husband, Kevin, asked when I arrived home from work. That mild morning, after two cups of tea and listening to the birds, I’d mentioned I wanted to walk when I got home. But eight hours later, my morning perkiness had flown away.
“I don’t want to, but I think I should. I’m in a lot of pain.” Nerve damage pain from two bouts with shingles attacks me most days on my drive home. Walking helps relieve the searing sting in my back. And the conversations Kevin and I have during our walks are good exercise for our relationship.
I started walking with Jesus when I was eight. I expected Him to tag along with my plans, and Jesus never forced me to do things His way. Just as Kevin asks what I want when I come through the back door at night, Jesus gives me a choice to walk with Him. Or not.
If I take Jesus’s hand, ask for His help and let Him lead me into His kind and good will, we have sweet conversations that deepen our relationship. I enjoy His wisdom, love, and strength. If I walk in my own way, I end up in darkness and pain.
So I’ll continue to walk with Kevin and Jesus, even on days when I don’t feel like it.
FAITH STEP: Take a walk with Jesus. Listen to the birds and for Jesus’s voice. What wisdom do you hear?
Heavenly Father, thank You for holding my hand as I walk the path You’ve chosen for me. Please hold it tightly as I often tend to wander off and try to do life alone. AMEN.