Would you walk with me?

Walkers are filling parks and roadsides, especially as the weather cools. Today, the medical community strongly endorses walking for good health. In fact, reports from the US Department of Health and the British Heart Foundation reveal that walking can:

• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke,
• Lower blood pressure,
• Reduce high cholesterol and improve blood lipid profiles,
• Enhance mental well being and,
• Reduce the risk of cancer of the colon.

Walking can also affect relationships. My wife and I can talk more freely when we walk. And I have never forgotten a college commencement speech by the wonderful Christian philosopher, Elton Trueblood. After the speech, my mother stood in line to speak with him. When she finally came face to face with Dr. Trueblood, event planners indicated that he must go immediately to his next engagement. Dr. Trueblood asked her kindly, "Would you walk with me?" And so they walked andtalked.

What about walking and talking with God? The Bible describes Enoch's character in only two ways -- he walked with God and pleased God. (Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:5) The prophet, Micah, records,

". . . And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to WALK humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8 NIV)

Ahhh. . . . The benefits of walking -- they are many. Shall we walk this week?

• By ourselves in quite meditation,
• With others whom we enjoy and,
• With God - the ultimate of good company.

Sharing the journey with you,