Going outside every day seems like a pretty simple step to take in the journey toward joy. It only gets slightly difficult when it is pouring rain or snowing like crazy. We have been told we are completely out of our minds when we are found walking in less than ideal conditions, but we smile and say, "Yes, we know we are insane." Being crazy doesn't seem to bother or stop us, rather it has taught us that we can endure bitter storms. It's hardest when I have had to walk alone and I have to confess that I have occasionally cut the walk short when left unaccompanied.
In the early years of walking our children to school, I learned how to appreciate the joy of being outside. After the chaotic morning of getting the children ready to leave the house, we would walk toward school picking up our walking partners along the way. We would share our frustrations of the morning as we walked. One of my friends started saying, "This is my favorite time of the day" as she would look up at the sun coming over the mountains. It was so refreshing to be around such a positive attitude. No matter how difficult it was to get out the door, and with twins I know it wasn't easy to do, she always found joy in the emerging sunlight.
Sometimes the sun can't be seen, but there is always something good to find outside. We have admired the geese as they head south for the winter, marveled at the size of beautiful snowflakes, been warmed by memories of the sun as we face bitter winds, and have waited with great anticipation for the budding of the flowers and trees. It doesn't matter what the weather is, there is always evidence of God's hand all around us. All we have to do is open our eyes and our hearts to receive His gifts. Recognizing the miracles of nature all around us is balm to the soul.
Go outside and feel God's love!
Don't forget crunching the ice!! :)
ReplyDeleteYou ladies are made of tough stuff!!
ReplyDeleteThere were many days over the past 11 1/2 years that I just couldn't get up and go walk. I could hardly face the day. But as I pushed myself to get dressed, and get the kids ready for school, and then emerged into the open air, an amazing thing would happen. I would look up at the sky---whatever it might look like that day--and I would feel the love of God. I was amazed at the feeling that would come over me, that each day was a special gift from Him. No one is capable of controlling or manipulating the elements, so I would often feel that the day was "given" to me, just in the way that I needed it, from my Heavenly Father. Sometimes, when circumstances in my life seemed so dark, I would turn my face upward to the sun, and I could feel the warmth and glow of life infuse my heart with energy and motivation to keep going. I could feel the son, and the Son of God, lift me up, and help me to keep walking, just one more mile.
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