A Time to Talk and a Time to Walk
This past week I noticed that talking wasn’t cutting it. I had chatted online with service representatives for various vendors over one thing and another, had shared my worries about all things technical with listening friends and with my son, and then decided enough is enough. It’s time for a good long walk. That’s always the best way for me to clear my head and take a fresh look at what needs doing and how to do it.
Karen’s Photos
Sure enough. I barely rounded a mile when I suddenly saw what I couldn’t see before. I sat down on a bench, prayed for wisdom and clarity, and the answer came within seconds. I knew just what to do about my technical dilemma. So I returned home, took action and voila! It worked.
I don’t need to share the drama or the details of this ordeal. You probably have your own drama to deal with. My point is that sometimes it becomes so clear that talking is clouding your thinking. In fact, too many words and emotions shroud the answer in a great cloud.
But spending some time walking in nature’s beautiful bounty helps release the very thing we need to hear. Since I’ve been a talkative person most of my life, I generally rush to that activity first and only later do I see that I have run amok with words because I have not given myself time to think and ponder and pray.
But when I step outside and talk to God in the sweet silence of a nature walk, worries turn to answers and I can carry on in peace.
Have you had such an experience? If so, we’d love to hear about it.
“If you want to get over a problem, stop talking about it. Your mind affects your mouth and your mouth affects your mind.” (Joyce Meyer, Christian speaker)
“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10)
That’s great wisdom. I sometimes act impulsively, but I always do better when I mull over whatever it is for a day or so.
Thanks for your kind words, Mary Ellen.
Oh, Karen, I can identify with this sooooo much. The more I push it at the time and struggle, the harder it is. Not until I leave and walk the dogs and pray does anything get solved! If not just to divert your mind and attention for a while for a clean and fresh perspective. I have always considered this part of the design process. Great thoughts, thank you.
Thank you, Heidi. How cool that walking your dogs does all of you some good when it comes to solving problems. Maybe even your bow-wow friends clear their heads too! 🙂 I so appreciate your support.
Works for me too, however, since I cannot get out and walk I can just sit in my comfortable chair and see a great pond, golf course, palm tree, flowers, squirels, birds, a large grove of trees across the back of the golf course and three deers came over and helped themselves to seed from the bird feeder my son-in-law put up last week! Long legged cranes enjoyed the seeds too ! Just viewing all of God’s beautiful gifts to us is enough to change frustration into thankfulness and clears my mind.
THANKS, Karen for your wisdom and for the beautiful photo! Margaret
Oh Margaret, what a beautiful setting you have from your window to ponder and view. I am uplifted just imagining what it’s like. So inspiring.
Wise words, Karen. You encouraged me so much at lunch today with your reminder that God is the one who changes hearts and mind, and that is not my responsibility or burden. Thank you for loving me. I love you right back!
Thank you, Carol. My pleasure. We all need each other. You have blessed me on more than one occasion too.
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for your powerful thoughts on taking time to walk and seek God’s counsel. The Lord has instructed me to talk less and seek His counsel more. It helps me to worry less and trust what I’m hearing. God is helping me to trust Him more and trust that I’m hearing clearly. Thank you for your inspiring article.
Thanks for your support and kind words, Sandy.
Thanks for sharing these wise words! The older I get the more I realize the need to “take it to the Lord in prayer.” Human wisdom can only offer so much but the Lord knows all and sees all and His plan is there for the taking. All we need to do is ask!!
I love what you shared, Glenda. You and I have ‘walked’ with the Lord as friends for decades and it’s so neat to move into our older years together experiencing God’s wisdom as the most important words to heed in all our affairs.
Dear Karen, Your words are so true. When I keep quiet I’’m amazed how I can hear God’s voice and how He gives me insight and answers to my problems.
This is what the sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. ”
Isaiah 30:15
Thanks, Pam, for the very appropriate Scripture verse. Perfectly suited to my article. I appreciate that reminder.
Taking a step back (or I should say a step forward) and closing my mouth usually produces better results than if I keep talking. Thanks for the reminder to walk, ponder, and pray! God gives us wisdom when we ask.
Thanks, Sherry. I appreciate your support and friendship and all the walks we’ve shared, where I have often found the wisdom I’m seeking.
Oh Karen! Now, that is good right there!
My thinking and talking have “run amok” plenty of times with no resolve.
Thanks for advising me to take a walk (and not telling me to take a hike.)
Smiles, BRC
Hi Beth. Thanks for chiming in on the discussion. I enjoyed your humor!!
Thanks for me feel humorous!
Smiles, BRC
(Oops…That wasn’t right! Feel free to edit and remove that last post.)
Thanks for making me feel humorous!
Smiles, BRC
You’re welcome. 🙂
See…I “ran amok” again! Lol.
Sigh, BRC
No worries!
Somehow this quote came to mind. I don’t know where it came from. Probably scripture someplace. “In quietness and confidence is your strength”. Also the song “In the Garden” Applies here also. I so often am reminded of these kind of snippets of truth in flashes of the mind.
I always thank the Lord for these. One of my many “Showers of Blessings”
Thanks for the reminder to “Walk with God”.
Are you thinking of Isaiah 30:15 “…in quietness and trust is your strength…”
I love to receive snippets of Scripture too, so thanks for sharing this one, Etta Mae.