I just started this new walking regimen a few days ago. It’s as much for my emotional/mental/spiritual health as it is for my physical health. My legs are tired, but at least they’ll get stronger if I keep it up.
I picked the most exquisite magenta, orange, and yellow wildflower for my sister. She wasn’t home. At least her son, Zachary, was there and I could put the flower in a vase for her. I could have asked Zak to drive me back home, but I enjoyed the mile and a half - two mile walk over there so much that I chose to walk back. Somebody ought to have told me I was pushing it -- I have a blister on my big toe. At least I don’t have one on both big toes. At least I have toes.
It’s hot, hot in north central Texas today. But at least there’s a breeze. An orange butterfly floated on that breeze and stayed with me for about half a block. I was disappointed when it left to play in someone’s flower garden. Pretty garden. But at least I saw a tiny, white butterfly a few steps later. He/she was playing in the berry vine that I chose to steal two succulent berries from. Hey, they were on the outside of the fence so I didn’t think the homeowners would mind me taking a couple of them. Then I saw them outside their back door. At least they didn’t see me. And if they did, at least they didn’t fuss at me. Those sure were good berries.
Billowy white clouds on a bright blue background floated by on the breeze as well. I tend to sunburn easier when it's cloudy. At least those clouds were white and not gray. And at least they weren't black! The sky sure seems bluer in the wide open Texas plains.
I tried to get myself a Diet Coke from the machine at David’s, the local grocery store. It wouldn’t take my dollar. I wound up with a bottle of water instead. Sometimes, things that are good for us are not necessarily what we like. Are they? And vice versa. At least I’m not allergic to water. At least the scent of the gardenias and honeysuckle I passed by were not as bland as that water. And at least there was another store for me to stop at on the way back. That might’ve been the best soda I’ve ever tasted.
The bright orange blossoms on a tree I spied were even prettier than that orange butterfly. I pray for my own home and a decent sized yard. Look out Texas! You’ve got a flower-loving Okie with big dreams in your midst. I might just wind up with the prettiest yard in all of Texas someday. But I’m gonna have a lot more than just flowers in my yard. Please, for your sakes, don’t envy me all the birds and butterflies and squirrels and cottontails that will call my yard home. Haha. In the meantime, there’s this walk.
I saw more than one bluebird and cardinal. I even saw what I have since discovered to be an indigo bunting. It was the first time I’d ever seen one of those. Beautiful! If I didn’t know better, I’d have sworn a bluebird had been playing in a cardinal’s nest. I pray about not only having a home, but someone to share that home with me. At least I’m not playing around in someone else’s nest. (Okay, ya’ll didn’t hear that one.)
There was a big, ugly roof rat in the middle of the road. Gross, huh? At least it was dead. At least the breeze was blowing in the opposite direction. I didn’t see any cottontails. I didn’t see any squirrels either. But at least I saw a hummingbird drinking from the very fragrant magnolia blossoms. And at least that growling dog was stuck on the other side of that fence.
Nobody else can walk this walk for me. I have to walk it. It’s my walk. It was designed with me in mind. There’s a purpose behind it. It’s not an easy walk. There are very few women in this world who can fit their feet into my size three shoes. Tomorrow, I’m not wearing those tennis shoes without socks. But at least there is grace and, besides, blisters heal quickly. And for me, there is even extended grace. Boy, do I ever need extended grace! And I am so, so thankful for the eyes to see it!
II Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Psalm 84:2-4 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah
Matthew 10:29-30 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Read more articles by Joyce Poet or search for articles on the same topic or others.
So many times we concentrate on the walk, but even Paul set his eyes on the finish line! God says in His Word "SEE!" We must 'see' what He has for us before we can even believe it to be true. "See" all His promises are true!
("Nobody else can walk this walk for me. I have to walk it. It’s my walk. It was designed with me in mind. There’s a purpose behind it. It’s not an easy walk.") Joyce, every step you take He is watching you, for He is directing all of your steps and soon He is going to bring you into the most glorious place, the place He has prepared JUST FOR YOU! I don't think that you have very much further to go either. You are weary and tired from your long journey but I believe you are almost there, and His grace is sufficient to get you there. Hallelujah! Love, Sharon
"I have to walk it. It’s my walk." - But at least you are willing to share it with us...but at least we do not have to walk alone...but at least it's a wonderful day and another wonderful article to read from our beloved Treava!!!
Dear Treava, He is strengthening more than your leg muscles. Wink. He holds you in the wind, dispelling deep worries and then, cradling you with assurance and filling you with endurance. Expressions of the Father's love are everywhere you turn and in everything you see, even in the gentle blowing breeze. Love you
Treava, God has provided this walk, but He has also provided a companion! He is with you every step of the way, guiding you over the rough spots and lifting you when the pathway is blocked. He is also steering you in the direction of beauty and deepening your senses to enjoy all the loveliness He has brought to His world. Treava, continue to hold His hand and enjoy the walk. He won't let you fall. Love, Peggy
