Time Out! Time to Reset.

I like long walks on the lakefront...
That may sound silly,
like something you'd put on a dating website profile,
but, for me, it's necessary
because it's good for my soul.
A long run, a long bike ride, a long hike -
all of these serve this purpose too.
Just give me time and the great outdoors,
and God will do the rest.

I took myself for a walk today,
as I know the rains and colder temperatures will come tomorrow,
and I will be stuck inside.
I took a break from my school law exam -
my brain just couldn't handle it.
I wanted to clear my mind...

I wanted to breathe in the fresh, beautiful air
and to soak in the sunshine.
I didn't see a cloud in the sky,
but of course I can't show you that,
as I left my phone behind
and had no means by which to capture a photo.
Sometimes I think I spend too much time
trying to get the picture "just right"
instead of being present.
I'm working on this.
I left my watch behind too -
I went at my own pace
with no real destination
except to eventually come back home before the sun set.

I saw so many people out and about.
And dogs. Lots of dogs.
It made me want a dog.
Flowers lined many of the streets,
or, sometimes, there was just a single flower all alone.
I even saw more tulips -
Did you know they close up at night?
Still, they are magnificent.

I talked to God on my walk, too.
I've had a lot on my mind recently
and my list of people to pray for
is growing longer by the day.
God sees everything -
how freeing it is when we lay it all before Him.
He loves us in our brokenness -
and sometimes I feel truly broken -;
He forgives us and heals us.
He strengthens us and loves us.
I was overwhelmed.

As I sit here at my dining room table,
I think about the week ahead,
though I know I still have Sunday to work and relax.
There is much to accomplish before the next weekend comes around.
Because of this
I am truly grateful for my short walk today.
I needed to breathe and relax.
I needed to reset and to remember the bigger picture
instead of getting caught up in my to-dos.

Thank you, God, for this day.
And thank you for the grace to realize Your presence.