As I’ve written in other posts, I very much enjoy taking long walks. The time I have to do that is limited because of commitments and, because I live in a northern state, walks outside are also limited by wintry weather and the sun setting early. But today after work I had free time, the weather was mild, and the sun wouldn’t set for another hour, all of which resulted in my having the opportunity to take a walk. I’m glad I took advantage of having that opportunity.
There has been much written about the connection between we human beings and nature. Breathing in the fresh air, seeing the trees and grass and pretty clear sky, and feeling the breeze on my face were all aspects of that connection today. At one point the walking path that I took went alongside a stream. The middle of the stream where the current flows is no longer iced over, and several mallard ducks had found that stretch of open water. Seeing them made me think about how, as the weather gets warmer, there will be more opportunities to see both the birds that live in this area year around and those that will return after spending the winter further south. As I walked along, I felt the peacefulness that being in nature often invokes.
When I’m walking, in addition to taking in the surroundings, I find it a time to be thankful. Thankful that I have good health to be able to move along briskly, that I live in an area where there are walking paths nearby and pretty areas to walk through, and that I have the freedom to choose what activity I want to do. Not everyone has those blessings. Knowing that also gives me another opportunity: to pray for the people who do not have those blessings and to pray in thanksgiving that I do. It’s in those moments that we realize we must not take anything for granted.