Going Green: Take A Walk

A couple of weeks ago, I had to go somewhere by a certain time and didn't have our only car at my disposal. Since the destination was within walking distance, I decided to use that resource. It was rather warm that day and I wasn't able to be in shorts, plus I was pulling my 18 month old son in a wagon. Though the walk was warm, the experience of pointing out various objects and spending time with him made it worthwhile!

Summertime is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air. If you are not an "outdoorsy" person, then you may have to wait for a perfect time/temperature to get you out of the house. However, getting out and taking a walk is beneficial. If the heat of the day is not your forte, then find time in the early morning or later at night to get out and enjoy some neighborhood time.

Walking doesn't pollute the atmosphere and allows for physical benefits, too. It also allows for some spiritual benefits. As we reflect back on yesterday's sermon, here are some applications to choose from to use this week...

1. Meet the Neighbors - Do you know of someone who just moved in or just someone you do not know in your neighborhood? If you see them out, walk over and say "hi", get to know them a bit. Let them know if they ever need anything to contact you.
2. Walk a Bit Further - Walk beyond your block and see who you can introduce yourself to, expressing the same thing as in the previous application. You never know who God will put in your path.
3. Take a Walk With Him - Journey with Jesus in prayer - talk to Him or by reading through one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) - looking closely at some of the situations He encountered
   
4. Clean out your heart - In Psalm 51:10, David is experiencing a "heart attack". He needs to have blockage removed. As walking is good for the heart, when you walk, ask God to "clean out" your heart (i.e. 'create in me a clean heart, O God').
   
5. Breathe deep breaths as you walk along, let the fresh air fill and refresh your spirit. Hopefully, giving you calming effect. Especially on stressful days, make it a point to do some walking. Possibly walking more brisk the more stressed you are.
6. Walk with friends - Going slow, through walking, allows you to get to know the people you're with a lot better. Jesus took time to walk with His disciples and it allowed for moments they could connect better. Whether it is a spouse, family member, or friend, walk together so that you can get to know one another better.
   

In our area of the country, we don't do as much walking because so many have their own transportation. Taking the opportunity to walk gives less pollution to the environment and also it gives you the health benefits!

Take a walk and live a better spiritual life!

Aiming to walk more...