A Walk in the Park

 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33

I used to imagine our retirement years as a leisurely time.  No demands from outside commitments.  No rushing frantically from one activity or obligation to the next.  Simply taking with ease each day as it comes.  And perhaps, good Lord willing, traveling to visit with family or encounter new sights and adventures.

while the imagination is indisputably worthy of being entertained, those dreams and preconceptions can be mercilessly dashed before we even know what hit us.  Reality is a ruthless taskmaster.  It has no issue with smacking us up one side of the face and not having the courtesy to wait to slap the other cheek before we've had the chance to offer it.

I'm discovering daily every aspect and nuance that aging brings.  While I feel young on the inside, my body tells me a different story.  There are simply things I can't, or shouldn't, do at this point in my life.  Are there plenty of activities in which I can still engage?  Sure!  And for those, I'm truly grateful.

But last week stretches both Danny and me to our limits.  Between the two of us, we have four medical checks/follow-ups that consume our afternoons.  Wednesday, the one day that is open, a run to Costco and Aldi's is in order.  At least on Friday, Danny's visit to the doctor is solely to have some blood drawn to check his thyroid levels (that's a story in and of itself).  The weather has warmed considerably from our deep freeze plunge, so we decide that a brisk walk in our nearby park will do us a world of good.

It does!  The exercise and the sunshine lift our spirits immensely.  Still, I find myself thinking how much an undemanding day when an afternoon nap is a possibility would be the cat's meow.  Oh, going outdoors after said nap is glorious, too.  I'm simply weary of the endless to-dos that continue to plague us.

But that, my friends, is life in this fallen world.

Jesus understands.  Fully.  Completely.  He knows we will have troubles, sorrows, and hurdles that seem insurmountable this side of heaven.  Yet we are immeasurably comforted when we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He has overcome the world.  In light of that, there is no trial we cannot overcome when we invite Him to walk with us on all of life's journeys.

Even if it's as simple and routine as the walk we take in the park, ask Jesus to join you.  You'll be glad you did.

Amen!

A Reminder:  Please take a moment to visit The Christian Lounge hosted by friend and fellow writer, Victor Moubarak.  You'll be glad you did that, too!