Hiking Through Life
I have been trying to hike through life lately, instead of walking. And this despite the fact that I much prefer a walk to a hike. A hike is a task-oriented foray into the world that says “I am in control; I make my own destiny.” It requires preparation and foresight–a rigid jaw and a firm step.
A walk on the other hand, is all leisure. Walking says, “Holy Spirit, come and take my hand and lead me where Thou will.” One never knows where a walk will lead, or when it will end, or whom one will encounter on the way. Walking teaches one the art of letting go, of opening one’s heart to the presence of the divine.
When did my walking turn into hiking? It is time to walk through life again, to saunter, to meander, to breathe deep and let God make the path before me.
“Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” — John 21:18
Lead me, Lord. Take me where I do not want to go but where I know you are. Turn my hiking into walking.
