Sidewalks, Footpaths and Steppingstones

Walking is my favorite exercise. The best thing about walking is you can do it practically anywhere. As I frequently travel, the only exercise equipment I need is a pair of shoes that fit properly and are comfortable – as close to “made for me” as they can get. If I don’t wear a good pair of walking shoes, I pay the price for it later.

Some places make walking easier than others. Many countries offer wonderful footpaths through the forest. These have often been cleared of trees and fallen debris. It is therefore possible to walk through the woods enjoying the scenery rather than having to watch the ground for areas where you might trip up.

Many European countries offer pedestrian commercial areas. Without having to watch for vehicles, you can have a very pleasant experience walking while shopping, banking, dining or any other business you need to take care of.

Sidewalks are also provided in many places for walkers. They are even separated from designated bike paths, so if you stay on the walkway provided for pedestrians, you are in good shape. In areas where sidewalks are not provided or are not reliable, walkers have to pay much more attention to their path. That inhibits the joy of sight seeing as you walk.

Sometimes it is up to me to provide my own walking path. While working in an area on some land that had to be leveled because heavy rains had caused unevenness in the soil, I first placed steppingstones around the perimeter. That proved to be a very good decision as the stones were the only reliable walking area for some time.

Sidewalks, footpaths and steppingstones remind me that God has provided safe paths for us in life, if we will just take advantage of them. I know I have a choice. I can stay on His path or I can deviate from it. Life is always more pleasant when I stay on the path He established for me. It is when I get off His path that I am prone to trip up or make wrong decisions.

Just as I only need a good pair of walking shoes to make the most of the sidewalks, footpaths and steppingstones, the only thing I need for life is to truly trust God and let Him lead me down the path He has provided for me.

You will show me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore…. Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip …Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 16:11, 17:5, 119:105).