August 2, 2017
Parents in Old Testament days were told to teach their children “when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Our culture has many distractions that make this process difficult. Walking provides teaching opportunities that are often missed as we move rapidly from one place to another using modern transportation.
Walking helps us observe our surroundings. One can drive through a neighborhood dozens of times and miss seeing things that are obvious when we are walking – including the people who desire a friendly chat. Walking on a trail where there are no vehicles reveals beauty that cannot be seen from the freeway.
Busy schedules combine with the convenience of automobiles to make it easy to avoid walking. Our medical advisors encourage walking as good for our health. If we can leave our phones and headsets at home, we will have a broadened appreciation for nature’s beauty and possibly make a connection with another human. Distractions interfere with human interactions.
The Bible describes life with Jesus as a walking adventure. Colossians 2:6 reminds us to “walk in Him.” A favorite hymn says, “He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own.” It is encouraging to think of Jesus walking beside us during the journey of life. I have made some rather significant life decisions while walking and talking – hopefully with no one near enough to observe or hear!
I am encouraged when I see a family walking and in no apparent hurry to get somewhere. Children are allowed to observe flowers and bugs while parents listen and explain – and use these teaching moments to focus on Creator God. Walking has the potential of bringing us lots of joy.
Pastor Bill Ehmann