Nov
16
2021
Walking With A Child
Posted in Discipleship 2 Comments
A 5K Walk/Run for Life was scheduled.
It is something I have participated in for many years.
It is wonderful to walk alongside others who stand for the sanctity of life.
It is wonderful to see the community come together.
Rain was in the forecast.
The forecast predicted that light rain would fall during our walk.
I know that I was not the only one praying for the rain to hold off until later in the day.
When I opened the blinds in the morning, I saw only sunshine and brilliant autumn colors.
I needed to get ready and head out early.
The 5K was to begin at 9:00am.
The location was different this year because of Hurricane Ida, which hit this area in September.
The trail, that is usually home to the 5K, still has portions that are damaged from flooding.
The 5K was held this year in a beautiful county park.
God answered prayer abundantly.
The rain held off.
We walked under a canopy of colors, which proclaimed His majesty and His handiwork.
I knew that my daughter, son-in-love, and two granddaughters would already be there.
My daughter is on the board of the crisis pregnancy center that was sponsoring the 5K.
I texted that I had arrived, but I had to park a distance from the registration area.
As I was walking, scanning the crowd for the ones I love, I heard it.
GRANDMA!!!!!
I saw my oldest granddaughter, in her little pink jacket, running towards me.
She hugged my knees and squealed delight.
I was so moved by the greeting and by this precious little girl hugging me tightly.
Grandma loves you so much! I reminded her.
Grandma, you’re here! She said happily taking my hand.
I’m here, I assured her.
I hugged my daughter and talked to my littlest granddaughter who was in the stroller.
We walked towards the starting gate.
So many people, with joy in their hearts, gathered under the autumnal sky.
After the welcome and a time of prayer, we were off.
Strollers were asked to be towards the back to allow the runners to start the race.
My hand had been taken at the initial hug.
My hand was still being held.
I was my granddaughter’s official walking buddy for the morning.
I knew my long legs would have to keep in step with her little three-and-a half-year-old legs.
Unlike the trail where the 5K is usually held, this course was all on rough terrain.
There were no paved trails.
There was only a slightly worn path made by other travelers who visited this bucolic setting.
It had rained the night before so the grass was wet, along with our sneakers and socks.
None of that mattered.
We walked hand in hand for all but a short portion of the 5K.
I have never had a more observant walk in my life.
You haven’t really walked until you walk with a child.
Grandma, look at this leaf, she said as she picked it up.
Grandma, let’s crunch the leaves, she suggested as she began to stomp the leaves below our feet.
Grandma, look at that doggie; he’s wearing a sweater.
Grandma, the trees are so tall.
Grandma, let’s run, she instructed as we ran for a short time.
Grandma look at that tower, she said as she pointed to a communications tower.
We can’t climb up there, Grandma; it’s too high.
Grandma, I’m thirsty.
Two women who were walking behind us, had been watching and heard her.
I have some water, honey, one woman said.
The woman looked at me and handed me a small water bottle.
It’s unopened, she explained, they gave it to us before we started.
Thank you, my granddaughter said sweetly.
That was kind, I told the woman as I proceeded to open the small bottle.
We stopped so my granddaughter could take a long drink.
We stopped numerous times along the way.
I walk three miles most mornings.
I can finish that walk in 40-45 minutes.
My granddaughter and I had been walking for over an hour.
It was the most leisurely, purposeful walk I have had in a long time.
Children are closer to the ground than adults.
My granddaughter was infatuated with the white painted arrows that marked the path for us.
We spent our time finding each one.
She saw berries and stones that I would have missed.
The walk was an intentional time spent noticing beauty.
The walk was at our own pace, despite the people who passed us multiple times.
The walk was not about finishing with an amazing time.
The walk was about being present with each other, in the moment, and cherishing every second.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
Jesus spent His earthly ministry walking from place to place.
His disciples walked with Him.
Jesus taught His disciples in those moments walking alongside.
Walking alongside is important to our children as well.
Being present with each other.
Seeing things together and commenting on what is observed.
Marveling at the wonders of God’s creation.
Talking and making memories together.
You haven’t really walked until you walk with a child.
We must be proactive to point children to God because the world will tell them other things are more important.
Amen, Paula.
And we are blessed for having walked with them.
Gina