Walking Through Life

Musing… ‘walking through life’… the physical activity… the picture of life’s journey…

Walking Determinedly: Bryson, a nine-year-old with cerebral palsy from Newmarket, had an operation on his spine year ago. Last summer with effort and determination he walked to school. On Monday he achieved a “dream come true”, visiting Chelsea FC…

Yesterday I was with Kim at Costa. In walked Alex and Sylvia. I went across to see them. ‘How are you?’ With a broad smile Alex replied: ‘We keep going… I’m 88 you know’.

They’re walking with determination – both physically and metaphorically!

Walking Safely: ‘Strut Safe’ is a telephone helpline launched in Edinburgh last year…Women walking home alone late at night can call ‘Strut Safe’. Someone will stay on the phone and keep them company until they’re safely home; if necessary they’ll contact the emergency services…

Considering terrain, footwear, provisions, safety, travelling companions when hiking is important. It’s equally important walking through life… the ‘essentials’ we put in our backpack, choosing our travelling companions wisely…

Walking Gently: There’s something special about walking in the woods, along the beach, through the park… musing, meditating, praying, listening for that ‘still small voice’…

The ancient Greek doctor Hippocrates, one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine, said, ‘Walking is a man’s best medicine.’ And ‘If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood go for another walk.’

Walking Purposefully: In the past I’ve focused on ‘walking through’ – the journey of life. Recent funerals have made me muse on ‘walking to’ – the destination.

Dane Ortlund, in ‘Gentle and Lowly’ says: ‘Here we are. Just ordinary people , anxiously making our way through life, sinning and suffering, wandering and returning, regretting and despairing…

‘…one day God is going to walk us through the wardrobe into Narnia, and we will stand there paralysed with joy, wonder, astonishment and relief.’

Musing… in the meantime… seeking to walk determinedly, safely, gently, purposefully…