Walk Across Alabama

I have enjoyed so much my daily walks and the things I get to think about and notice. This weekend I have been in Alexander City. On weekends when we have National Guard drill, this is where I stay. Alex City has an amazing Sports Plex which is basically a large park with all kinds of recreational facilities. It blends this with walking trails, ponds, and tons of trees. It makes it a pleasant experience just to walk through…and so a few notions came to mind as I took time to walk through this area. Mainly, I noticed the ways that God reveals His presence to us; and that He uses His creation to signal his all encompassing love.

As I began my journey, I came across a water wheel gently spinning through a stream. As its paddles dipped into the cool creek; it scooped up water, poured it over its top, and started the cycle all over again. Water has so many meanings; purification, life, and of course the symbol of our baptism. I was reminded of Christ who taught us that when we become His followers, one of the symbols is to be baptized. As we go under the water, or are sprinkled, it signifies our dying to our self and our old life and rising again new as Christ resurrected. On this afternoon, I remembered the new life given through Christ and the gift of my baptism.

The second thing I noticed was the tops of the pine trees. With it being spring, there are signs of new life flooding all around us. If you have allergies, then you are not impressed with the swollen tufts of pollen engulfing the trees. But, look closely- as this occurrence will be gone shortly…but as you gaze at the very tops of the trees, the styluses form small crosses. The tree branches seemingly raise their boughs in praise to their Creator. And near Easter, these pine trees take on the sign of the cross. What an incredible witness of God’s presence.

Thirdly, well this one will seem odd…but other things catching my attention were the cars, picnic tables, buildings, and all the things we haven been able to create. God made us with an incredible ability to make invent, dream, and create-something He knows all too well about. And so I was able to say thanks for the intelligence he gave us and the opportunity to dream and make items that help enhance our life experience. To take this one step further is to put these items in their proper place. All these things are God’s and belong to Him; he’s just allowed me to use them. I don’t have permission to hoard them for myself but rather to share and use them for His glory. 

So, just a few thoughts for you as we get closer to June 8^th. I know this is a bit long for a blog but just a few thoughts for the walk.

Just five weeks away!!!! See you on the walk.