One of our children is going through intensely difficult anxiety and depression. Each day seems like a battle to keep suicidal thoughts at bay. A few days ago, we went on a walk together near our house, accompanied by one of our dogs.
It was in the evening when the temperature was lower, and there was a bit of a breeze. We had intended to ride bikes but one of the bikes had a flat tire and I couldn’t fix it. So one of us rode a bike with the dog on a leash and one of us walked.
Walking is a good form of exercise, and I need to do it more regularly. Physical exercise is good for combatting anxiety and depression as well. We didn’t go very far, but as I was walking along a busy road next to a swampy area, I happened to notice a wild iris in bloom.
Isn’t it beautiful? I realize wild irises aren’t particularly rare, but they usually can’t be found in areas that are very accessible. This is the first one I’ve ever seen in my area. Seeing it made this a walk to remember.
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Luke 12:27 NIV)
The OW Factor 