“I Want to Walk”
Don’t get sick as you glance at my foot while reading a few of my early morning thoughts. I know, I know, the toe is UGLY. There is a part of me that thinks, “Off with the toe,” but then better sense takes over. Removing the ugly appendage would drastically and negatively harm my WALKING and balancing skills.
Walking is still a vital part of my life, so off to the pharmacy to procure some potential healing remedy. (Today was senior discount at our local pharmacy. Therefore this tight wad thought she’d take advantage and save a couple of bucks.) What do you know, the pharmacist was able to direct me to an item that might be beneficial. Only time will tell if this foot will again wear open toed sandals.
Now, why do I share this rather yucky shot of my big toe? Walking steadily is not only advantageous to daily movement BUT it also reminds me of my obligations as a follower of the Lord. He wants me to walk. When God was announcing his ‘Guidance Plan’ to Moses, including the basic ten commandments, He concluded His chit-chat with the leader of the Children of Israel with an interesting final note. “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in that land that you will possess” (Deuteronomy 5:35).
I love the final reason. I know God was talking to the Children of Israel, but I think there is carry over to 21st century dwellers on this earth. Walking in obedience with the Lord has the potential of prolonging our lives. As one approaching ninety, this promise is exciting. Not only may my days of golfing continue but more importantly, the scriptures provide other reasons for longevity of life.
The Psalmist suggests that followers of the Lord who say they love Him will receive help. ‘“Because he (you) loves me,” says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him; for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation”’ (Psalm 91:14-16).
Probing a bit more in the Old Testament, while writing this little epistle, I chuckled as I read Proverbs 16:31. If we continue to walk, enhancing our chances of longevity, another fun thing happens – “Grey Hair,” well, at least for many females. “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” I certainly am going to need healthy feet to stabilize my walking around with my gray/white hair, so I must continue to try my best to be righteous and to walk the walk of the Lord.
The reality and real joy, however, of the preceding paragraph is serious. How are we going to spend those longer days? Will we hide at home, or continue to reach out and help share the love of the Lord with many near or far from us? Will sharing the wisdom that can come from rich, Christ centered life experiences be high on our weekly agenda or does spending hours reflecting on the joyous years of our youth fill our time? Perhaps as a gray haired (or even the less haired) you mistakenly feel you are too out of tune with the young of today to share. FORGET THAT. Just hustle and find new ways of modeling, coaching, or caring about others and helping them to become deeply committed followers of our Saviour.
Personify “Healthy” Christ Centered Uglly
Talk and/or Walk Even With Ugly Toes or Polished Toenails.
The Goal is to Continue Witnessing As Long as the Lord Spares Your Life
You might even end up with a grey head of hair.
Kathryn Ransom 