I confess that I do not like to run. I have never had a desire to run a marathon nor compete in a triathlon or Iron Man. My son challenged me to join him and a group of buddies to do a Tough Mudder this fall. I told him I was happy being a walkin’ fadder.
I think walking is one of the most underrated exercises. Research has shown that walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help: reduce risk of coronary heart disease; improve blood pressure & blood sugar levels; maintain body weight; reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes; and reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer. There are emotional and relational benefits as well. My bride and I have been walking just about every night since our kids were in middle school. For the last 15 years we have used a 2 to 3 mile trek to discuss family issues, process challenges our kids were going through and even prepare ourselves for the empty nest phase of life. For us, our walks have been a stabilizing force in our marriage relationship.
“Enoch walked with God then he was no more, because God took him away.” – Genesis 5:24. I want to walk as Enoch walked! Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest says, “In learning to walk with God there is always the difficulty of getting into His stride; but when we have got into it, the only characteristic that manifests itself is the life of God. … He has different ways of doing things, and we have to be trained and disciplined into His ways.” This is reflective of Jesus’ walk with His disciples and should be reflective of my walk in this world under His word.
Tips to Be Walking:
- Review your exercise routine – Does it include walking physically & spiritually?
- Map out a trek – Walk at least a couple of miles five times a week and establish a daily reading routine that will take you through scripture;
- Enjoy the time – Focus on listening whether walking with your wife or spending time in prayer.
- Get a dog (optional) – Truth be told, our dog takes us for a walk every night and we reap the benefits. Maybe that’s why dog spells God backwards.
Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for becoming flesh and walking this earth as the example for me to follow. Thank You for marriage, the foundation for family and even for the ordering of society. Thank You for sharing the moniker “father” with me and for providing the training & discipline for my walk through Your word. Keep me physically and spiritually fit to walk boldly as the man, husband and father You expect me to be. Amen.
A faithful father walks boldly as the Father’s representative in the home.
