The Narrow Roads

Today’s blog post will be a bit lighter than my last one. My last one was deep and yet; it was what I felt I needed to share with you all. This blog post will be a bit breezy and hopefully make you smile. I dedicate this blog to all my morning and evening exercisers that I meet on the street. You know who you are and you all motivate me more than you know. So here it goes!

A month ago, or so I was out walking in the morning, wishing everyone I met on the street a good morning. Each morning wish made me smile and gave me that extra skip in my step I think that we all need. I got home and thought, I am so glad I live in a town where I know everyone and it’s safe to walk in the mornings. I know everyone I will meet on the streets as I walk and I know which cars I will meet, because they are on the same time schedule each day just like me. It’s encouraging and comforting! Each person has no idea how much they make my day with a smile.

I don’t walk outside every day, because sometimes I like to do my morning workouts inside, but I know that others are doing the same. I love the high five and hug a certain teacher has given me as well as a text on a foggy day to make sure I made it home safely. Her dog Holly is so obedient and doesn’t stray when she sees me. There is the guy who works at the service station, who I know thinks I walk with my head down the whole time, because several mornings I have almost walked into him, sorry! There is the financial adviser assistant that has two dogs and walks backwards on a block or two like me, and she is always smiling and her little dog doesn’t bark at me anymore. He must think I am safe now. There is the lady from the hardware store, the morning exercisers at the event center giving me a wave with a weight in their hands. I can’t forget my dear friend Marci, who yells, “Hey friend!” Sometimes I see a runner out, depending on her schedule at the hospital and lately I have seen another teacher out, working hard to better her health. There are also the sisters who walk to the bank and clean. I love their close sisterly bond. At times, I see the lady from the school district office with her little dog. Our paths don’t always cross, but I know she is out there. Last, but not least, my friend Terri, who walks with me in the evening to get me out of the house for a long walk and talk. Sometimes we vent from a rough day, some days the conversation is deep, and other times, we talk about shampoo, aging skin, and clothes that fit us best (we are women, what do you expect, lol). To all these people, thank you for pushing me through.

Even though we are on different routes out on the streets, I feel like we are working together to better ourselves and to better our families by taking care of ourselves. We are also taking care of each other from a simple good morning to a much-needed hug. We are all facing the challenges that each day brings. Some days we go out and fun is awaiting us when we get back. Other days, we are carrying our heavy burdens that kept us from sleeping. No matter what kind of day we are carrying, I feel like in that moment, we are encouraging each other and saying, “You got this.” We are “walking” through this life together one step at a time (That was kind of corny, but true).

My walking season is coming to an end, because, well, I don’t do cold weather. Hats off to you who do, but that is not my jam! Just know, I will be indoors working out with you, encouraging you from one of my workout machines. I will be back in the spring though, dodging skunks and shining a light on a cat, worried it is a skunk. Getting scared from an occasional deer that runs out of the trees at the bottom of the hill by my street. When I am back, just know that each wave is a wave of love and encouragement, as well as appreciation for your kindness each day.

Thank you once again for reading my blog. Please subscribe to my page so you don’t miss a single blog. I leave you with this, no matter what you are facing today, you are not alone. We walk together in this world and God created us to encourage others in this life that is hard at times. We also walk with God, who promises us that He won’t leave us. Be blessed my readers!

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.