Tuesday, March 23, 2021

“Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way; though we stumble we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.”                                                                              Psalm 37: 23-24
 
I like to walk. During this past year, however, I have walked more than usual. It has become my pandemic bright spot and it has taught me a lesson about how to get through unusual and often difficult times.
Early last March, I decided to be more intentional about walking in our Park Forest neighborhood. I made a commitment to walk at least 45 minutes to an hour every day, rain or shine. It is not always easy to start. I often think of other things I would rather do, but I put on my sneakers and begin-one step at a time. Before I know it, an hour has passed, and I realize my walk has given me many bright spots. Perhaps it is saying hello to a neighbor, seeing a deer grazing quietly in someone’s yard, or marveling at a young girl on roller skates walking her dog. Perhaps it is admiring the three hens pecking for bugs and seeds at the corner of Douglas and North Oak. One day, also on North Oak, I came across a group of 8 to 10 bird watchers trying to catch a glimpse of a feathered friend normally found in the Arctic. What a joy I became a part of!
During my daily walks, I also pray using the mnemonic Adoration, Confession, Thanks, and Supplication. I pray for family, friends, the church, and our country. Sometimes, after that, I consider my plans for the day or week. I may even come upon a solution for a problem in my life. And all that happened because I bit the bullet and decided to walk.  
Each walk I take begins because I decide to take that first step and every step after that. Shouldn’t that also be our approach to this somewhat endless pandemic?  Take one day at a time and look for the bright spots in those days. Before we know it, weeks and months will have passed, and light can be seen at the end of the tunnel.
Dear Lord, thank you for guiding our steps and helping us when we stumble. Thank you for holding us by the hand through this pandemic and always. Amen
 
Lois Lynn