Morning Walks



Most days, Marla and I walk Amos (the dog) in the early morning together. It gives us an opportunity to start the day with some fresh air and we generally talk about whatever she would like to discuss. Today, I had an upcoming Missions trip on my mind and was feeling compelled to pray about it right then. So I asked Marla if she would mind If I talked to God for a few minutes while we walked. (I generally need to pray aloud so that I can stay focused.) So I prayed while we walked, finishing up after a few minutes and thanked Marla for her indulgence, telling her that I was feeling better now that I had talked with God.

She asked how I felt better. Hmmm... how to explain this to a five year old?

“Well,” I said. “It makes my heart feel good to talk to God. Do you ever get that wonderful feeling in your tummy when you’re doing something that makes you feel good?”

“Oh yes,” she replied. “With Gran and Papa.”

“What do you mean?” I probed.

“When I color with Gran, I have that feeling.”

“What about Papa?”

“When he takes me for walks or takes me out to play in his backyard, I have it too.”

It struck my heart so deeply to hear her articulate her understanding of the love and acceptance she feels when she’s with her grandparents. She knows they delight in her.

I wouldn’t trade these early morning walks for anything.