Those of you who know me or have followed the Pew for awhile know of my love for the following image:
“They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden, at the time of the evening breeze.” Genesis 3:8.
Similar images stir fond memories. A walk on a beach with a good friend, a father and son going for a walk and talk, a walk in the woods, or even John Feinstein’s A Good Walk Spoiled. One of my book of meditations is called Walking with God.
Perhaps some of you can drive with God, fly with God, or simply sit down with God, but for me there is something releasing about a stroll. My mind begins to wander into those vulnerable areas of mine, as if the slow motion of my legs turns a key that unlocks my soul. With a friend, I find myself both talking and listening with more attention to what is being said. With a spouse or child we can let our guard down a little more, and be more receptive when our companion does the same. When we are with God we pour out our problems and find a loving ear.
You may find the same comfort someplace else – a special chair, a drive with the top down, cycling down a hill, or an early morning run. Each of us has a unique chapel. What we realize when we visit our private church is that God has beat us there. Remember in Genesis it was God who called out to man for companionship on that evening stroll. Maybe it’s time we answered God’s call to take a walk.
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