“I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 4:1b-3 ESV

I enjoy walking long distances. I thrive on the physical challenge of hiking over mountains, through forests, along rivers and around towns. God’s creation astounds me during every walk: the views, the scent, the wildlife and the force of nature. However, what compels me to hike weekend after weekend is the solitude and the ability to tune out the busyness of life. It is in the quiet of the woods that I hear and feel God’s presence without distraction. For me, hiking is moving meditation: miles of opportunity for prayer and reflection on scripture.

During a long and arduous February hike through boulder fields and ice-crusted snow, I prayed fervently for guidance and direction in my life. Because the trail was snow covered, I kept going off course and it made me wonder, was I walking the path that God intended for me?

I asked repeatedly, “Father, what is your plan?” 

He answered, “Walk with me.”

The word “walk” means an excursion by foot. It is also used to describe a “way of life”. In our earthly journey of life, we can choose to walk alone or walk in faith. In Pope Francis’s book, “Walking with Jesus”, he says, “Faith transforms those who have opened their hearts to love God.” 

When we love God, we seek to walk in Christ’s good works and in unity with the Holy Spirit. We are called and aim to live in a manner worthy of God: desiring to please Him in all things and developing deeper faith, clearer insight and a stronger relationship with Him.

God has a plan for me and I know that he will guide me to stay on course, even when I cannot see the path. During the moments when I question the plan, I only need to remember that he desires that I walk in His love, with His son and filled with His spirit.

He will take care of the rest.

Scripture References (ESV):

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a ‘fragrant’ offering and sacrifice to God.”

Ephesians 5:1-2

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 2:10

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Galations 5:16

“so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Colossians 1:10

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God-loving, healthy lifestyle enthusiast, mother, grandmother, animal obsessed and married to my best friend. Life is good!

9 Comments

  1. Hiking is moving meditation. I love it, Cori! My Sophomore year in college I spent a summer working at a Christian conference center near Santa Fe, NM. The San de Cristo mountains were in my back yard. I did lots of intermediate hikes, but wanted to try something a little harder. A buddy and I decided to tackle a challenging trail in the Jack’s Creek area—a rugged wilderness preserve. The hike was a 13 miler that got stepper and steeper as we went. At one point there were so many switch backs I lost all sense of direction. Finally, we made it to a little lake just below the summit of a 11K foot mountain. Though I was only 22, and in great shape, I simply could go no farther. I ate the 1988 version of an energy bar and laid down on my pack for an hour. Thank God, my strength returned and I was able to walk down the mountain—Which turned out to be a lot easier than walking up it! Anyway, the scripture that came to mind on the way down was God’s words to Paul: my strength is made perfect in weakness. Thank you for reading my hiking story. Happy Easter, and God Bless. PS. I enjoyed the pictures. Especially the snow covered bridge!
    • Cori Strathmeyer Reply
      David - Thanks for sharing your story! I have also had some of those hikes when I have bit off more than I could chew, snacked on a bar, drank lots of water and prayed the entire walk to the end. Easter blessings to you as well. PS - I enjoy your blog site :)
      • Thanks, Cori! Your post about walking with God (moving meditation) really touched me. Memories of my hiking summer of 88 came back in a torrent! You have a top-notch site with great content. Obviously, as we like to say here in Oklahoma, this is not your first rodeo. I hope I sent a few new folks your way. God Bless, and thanks for checking in. I wanted you to know what you helped inspire.
      • I ended up writing a whole post about on it my “moving meditation “ moments. https://davidsdailydose.org/2021/04/05/the-young-buck-on-baldy-mountain/
      • Cori Strathmeyer
        David! You are so very kind! I appreciate this very much. You are helping me spread the Word. I am grateful.
  2. I understand the "Moving Meditation" from my walks and canoe paddles around the lake. This idea of walking with God (literally) to walk with God in such a relational way is glossed over by so many and yet so foundationally important in Knowing God, his will, gaining wisdom and growing the fruits of the spirit. Thanks Cori
    • Cori Strathmeyer Reply
      Gary, Since I began hiking weekly (about 6 years ago), my relationship with God changed. I've been Christian all of my life, but believe that I know Him better now because I take more time to listen. Thank you for reading and sharing your comments.
  3. I love this post. Thank you for the encouragement. I love being outdoors, as it makes me feel closer to God. Life can definitely leave us feeling lost at times. Thank you for the reminder that "I only need to remember that He desires that I walk in His love, with His son and filled with His spirit. He will take care of the rest."
    • Cori Strathmeyer Reply
      Bridget, I am so happy to hear that you can relate to what I feel. I talk to God all day long, but I get sidetracked with work, family, tasks. When I am outside, my thoughts always go to Him. :)

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