me, Sarah and Joy walking on a wooded path, alone and yet together-a precious heritage of peace. (Joel, sneaking a picture behind us!)
“Sometimes the most urgent thing you can do is take a complete rest.” Ashleigh Brilliant
Anyone who knows me well or has read any of my books, knows that I am an avid walker. Wildness if preferred–away from the crowds, in nature, hopefully, in some silence. When I lived in big cities, I would look for parks or back streets, or interesting cobblestoned roads, where I could lose myself in invisibility.
Why? Because my life is constantly demanding and people are taking from my soul and heart and mind and body on a regular basis, all the time.. I know that if I do not refuel and rest and get away, I will be an empty vessel.
Walking is a sort of therapy for me. I can be still in mind, get all of my adrenalin out, and it seems it gives the Lord access to my soul away from those who would “want” me or from the tasks that would steal more energy from my body and heart. When my children were very little, I would bundle them up, squish them into a stroller and take them along. Whatever it took to get me away from the sounds, demands, enticements of things that would steal from my energy or take from my soul–and into a place of rest.
God says to us, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46: 10
and “In quietness and trust is your strength.”Isaiah 30: 15
In the midst of this coming holiday–this holy day, may you find rest for your souls, strength for your body. May you exercise Sabbath rest, in some small way this weekend, that you may have joy and wisdom for the days ahead, in which you will be busily investing your time and love to those who need you.
Peace be with you, the Lord is near.
I like to walk as well. The only thing is, I get distracted. My walking is only for spiritual, mental and emotional exercise because I inevitably find something to delight myself in, and I stop or slow down to a snail’s pace. I think I’ll put my gym shoes on now…and go for a walk. Thank you for pulling me up out of the couch!
I agree. Walking outdoors and enjoying God’s beautiful creation is so important to me. It is when my mind slows and my heart becomes attuned to what God is trying to tell me. I enjoy such sweet times of fellowship with the Lord during these walks… In fact, I’m bundling up my little baby and heading out as soon as I get the bigger kids settled in with daddy!
I’m a walker and a silent seeker too, Sally – a good word that I’ll share with others! Happy Thanksgiving.
I can relate and appreciate what you are saying so much — when God calls us introverted souls, to share with those He places in our world, we sacrifice beyond what any extrovert could ever imagine. Yet it is His will that we do, not ours.
Thank you for continually sacrificing for us! Love you, Sally.
Sooooo true. Molly, I like your term “silent seeker”. I’ll add that right next to truth seeker.
I walked five days a week all spring and summer. I’d get distracted too. I’d take my camera and document spring coming to “The Prairie”. Or stop to smell the flowers. We live in a small town now and work for a church. It can be a challenge to find a bit of anonymity. I donned a baseball cap and sunglasses so no one would know it was me (for a while). Then I fell off the walking wagon in September, for many reasons (excuses?). I felt great both physically, mentally and spiritually. It got my days off to a great start. I need to get back to it. Thanks for the reminder, Sally. 
I read this one and kept thinking, “Me too, me too!” Sometimes I feel like I could walk to the ends of the earth.
Absolutely my favorite way to hang out with God!
I just have to tell you, I picked up a book I had read of your back in 2004. It was at an ATI conference in Tennessee, I think. Your books were there. I love all of them!
As I re-read Seasons of the Heart, I kept reading things as if I wrote them! We have many things in common, both are deep thinkers, walkers, both of us have come to similar convictions. I just had to laugh over and over again when you said something I have or would have said. I love your books and ministry, and I just thought I’d share that…though you don’t know me at all! God bless, sister.
Love how everyone is carrying their purse in the picture!
sally-
i was wondering if you or your daughter have any recommendations for me. my 8 year old daughter is an avid reader and i’m constantly looking for good, appropriate reading material for her. She is reading at a 4th/5th grade reading level. i am ordering your “read for the heart” for christmas.
Thank you so much.
Hmmmm….. I’ll be on the lookout for wonderful, serene places to walk now. And NOT just for bodily exercise, but for soul exercise, too!
His,
Shari