Walking

Walking — simply, walking — may be the key means by which I get better, physically. I’ve begun to walk 1-2 miles every other day. Honestly, it is not easy. It is quite hard, but at least it is something I can do to get some exercise. I don’t need special equipment or complicated instructions to do it. What is needed, however, is persistence, to keep at it over time, even when I don’t feel like it.

These are early days, but I already feel a bit of encouragement in taking this step, literally and figuratively. It goes against every inclination and habit to be more active, but once I make the effort, I begin to feel better.

Of course, as in many other things, the Bible has a lot to say about walking. Perhaps the most fitting verse I can think of is as follows:

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John 8:12 (NLT)

I like the imagery of walking in the light rather than in darkness. I have felt a lot of darkness lately, a strong sense of being overwhelmed and overcome by circumstances and situations over which I have little or no control. I have often felt hopeless and broken. But as I trust in the Lord and walk in His ways by His strength, things start to look and feel lighter even if circumstances and situations remain grim.