Are there many experiences more simply enjoyable than a walk on a gorgeous fall day? I guess I would probably ask a similar question during the spring, as it begins to warm and blossom after the long winter. At any rate, taking a walk on a day in autumn is almost delicious. There is a scent in the air that clears the head and refreshes the senses. I find walking therapeutic, especially when I am craving the sunshine after a lengthy dose of overcast days. Those sunny walks tend to be very beneficial, especially in the autumn when I know they will begin to occur much more infrequently.
Today, I had one such walk. It was the type of walk that makes a person very glad to have made the effort to get outside and take it. (Are there any other types of walks?) I know that there are avid runners who would defend the merits of running to us "slowpokes" who merely walk for exercise, but I would argue that the good that walking does for the mind, senses, and emotional state are second to none. I admit that I don't typically walk as fast as I should to maximize its exercise benefits, but I also know that if I chose to run instead I would not be paying attention to the glorious golds in the trees, or the lingering fire scent in the air. I wouldn't stop to pick up a leaf, or listen to the marching band. If I was running, I would only be thinking about my next breath, my next step, not collapsing, nothing more!
It is also the best way to sort out thoughts and chew on them unhindered. For some reason, a walk helps to separate the emotion that can get in the way and allows you to think reasonably. It is also a great time to pray! And what could be more fun than walking with children? Right now, we point out exciting sights: "I see the moon, Mommy!" (We really did today) or "There's a digger!" Since I have boys, we love to spot fire engines, dump trucks, cranes, et cetera. (Maybe little girls do, too? I don't know.) We basically like anything big and noisy. I find that walks are a great time to direct them to the Father, too: "Look at that big, colorful tree, honey. Isn't it beautiful? God made that. He is so good." or "Whoa! What a cool bug!" (I hide my fear) "Did you know that God knows about this bug? And he cares about you so much more! Isn't that neat?" When I walk, I am reminded of Deuteronomy 6:4-7, which says, "Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." So, I guess walking is a spiritual time, too!
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