Since the weather cleared in spring, daily walks up and down my tree-lined street provides healthy exercise. If I walk east, I enjoy more shade in the early morning, but a steep hill to climb on the way back. If I head west, I start climbing immediately. It levels off before I hit another high hill and then a leisurely walk into the country. Either direction gives me an excellent two-mile walk. 

Some mornings, I do not feel like walking, but I ask the Lord for strength, and the next thing I know, I’m outside, going up or down the hills. The steepness of the hills causes me to take deep breaths and slowly blow them out again for lung power to climb. Sometimes I must stop, catch my breath, and ease burning muscles. However, walking provides focused time to pray, sing, and memorize Scripture.

Fifty years ago, I read Lamaze’s birthing information that said I would not be as aware of the labor pains if I focused on something else. However, when delivering a 9-pound, 10-ounce baby boy, I only remembered the first verse of Psalm 23, even though I knew the whole psalm by heart. The pain won, hands down!

Over the last year, I discovered that focusing on God and His Word on my walk makes me much less aware of my burning muscles and lack of strength. Somehow, before I know it, I’m at the top. Walking with someone and conversing does the same thing, but I seldom get that opportunity.

While I walk, illustrations often come to mind of how it takes the same effort and determination to do life. Life takes a lot of uphill exertion, determination, sweat, and tears. Other younger walkers and runners often pass me up, which also happens in life. Growing older provides some perks but disheartening challenges as well. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 lb). 

I pray for overcoming strength every day to keep climbing physical hills and conquer daily challenges. I’ve had to learn so many things since Conrad left for heaven. Yet, daily, God provides the strength and courage I need. I ask Him for everything from what to do about my dead lawn patches, create a flag pole that fits the outside flag holder, find my glasses, keys, and phone, to pump gas, shop alone, find my way around, figure out technological problems, even sort through manipulative junk mail and emails. I must ask Him to guide my words and strengthen, calm, and take over during stressful times.

One beautiful encouragement the Lord gave me while puffing up the last hill one day was to imagine the crowds cheering me on. I imagined my sweet Conrad saying, “You can do it. Just a little farther.” I could see others: my god-loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, all more alive than ever, cheering me on from the grandstands of heaven, not to mention all the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11. Then the next chapter says it all!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb 12:1-3).

Though I walk alone, He goes before me, comes behind me, and walks beside me whether these earthly eyes see him or not. Heb 11:27 says Moses “persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”  That whole chapter amazes me! Over and over, it says, “by faith…” 

By faith… (Abraham, Isaak, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab the prostitute, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah) David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies (Heb 11:33-34).

 Wow! And their faith stories go on (It is a must-read!).

So today, I illustrate this blog with a painting of the mountains of Israel, which I did as a book cover for my brother-in-law’s first published book, Living Inside Out and Upside Down––A Journey Through The Sermon On The Mount.

While painting from a photograph of the actual mountains of Israel, I became discouraged, so I decided to start all over on a new canvas. The second time was as tricky as the first, so I returned to the first and finished it. Ultimately, two paintings of the same thing sit in my studio. 

While writing this blog, I knew I needed an illustration, and the second painting came to mind. I just needed to add a footpath. So there you have it. Stay strong, and be encouraged. My memory verse this morning:

LORD, I pray that out of Your glorious riches, You will strengthen me with power through Your Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith (Ephesians 3:16-17).