Step Into Spring: Walking with L.I.F.E.

If only I had not stopped on my way out the door. 

The morning had started off great – coffee, time in scripture, conversation with my husband, and even a thirty-minute strength routine. I was in a great mood, and it wasn’t even 8 am yet. On my way outside for my morning walk with Jesus, I stopped. I noticed the dishes left piled in the sink, the long to-do list waiting for me when I returned, and my teenagers who had yet to start their morning routines. Quickly, my good mood started to sour, and my focus shifted from peace to panic. I confess I spoke discouragingly to my children and then stormed out the door almost in tears. Not my proudest Mom moment. 

How did things go downhill so quickly?

Even though I was no longer in the mood to walk with my friend, I needed Jesus more than ever now. 

Our conversations centered around my need for forgiveness and my frustrations with my failures in our home. Through the gentle mist in the air, He reminded me that He washes away my sins. The more time we spent together the more confident I became in His gentle and abundant grace that remains sufficient in my weakness. After praying for each of my children by name, I returned to a fresh perspective and renewed focus as I entered the kitchen to tackle the dishes in the sink.  

My day turned around when I put my focus back on Jesus, instead of on my frustrations and insufficiencies. 

Tips for Walking with L.I.F.E

Living Intentionally and Focusing Eternally

# 1 – Walk in their Shoes – Be quick to listen to others. When we take time to understand why a person thinks or feels the way they do, it’s easier to approach them with love and compassion.

# 2 – Walk to Calm Down – Before you get angry and say something you’ll regret, walk away. Remove yourself from the situation. You can actually go for a walk outside or simply walk to the other room. Whenever I do this, I find it’s much easier to approach the conversation, problem, or person with a clear head and words of love instead of anger.

#3 – Walk with Jesus – We should always take time to pray before speaking out of emotion or making any major decisions. So why not pray while going for a walk with Jesus. Just like you would if you went for a walk with your best friend. The only difference is God ALWAYS knows the right advice to give.