I walked today

I walked today.

Even though it was cold, with a wind chill below freezing.
Even though it was raining.

I walked today.  In my white, black, and pink--of course, pink--plaid pajamas, I walked.

Why?  Because I needed to.

I have been feeling foggy and befuddled these past few days--not quite right in mind or body, with strange aches and destructive habits popping up in unexpected, unwanted places.  We've been stuck inside for days due to rain and cold, so my body and my spirit have not had the benefit of fresh air and sunlight or movement.  I've known practically forever that I do best when I'm getting outside regularly, but just recently I have been noticing how differently my body feels when I'm giving it good nourishing fuel as opposed to when I'm feeding it junk.

I needed a fresh start this morning.  And how better to make a fresh start than to be washed clean in the life-giving rain from above?  There is something so restorative, so healing, about being alone with God and your thoughts, the rain sprinkling down like the waters of baptism.

And so I walked.  In the rain, in the cold, in my pajamas.

And I realized.  I need to be willing to deny myself the mediocre so that I have room for the best.  I need to fill my mind and body with life-giving nourishment instead of settling for a quick fix that feels good now but will not last and cannot sustain.  I need to worship God in this earthy temple, with my all of my heart, soul, mind, and body.

I need to love myself as much as I am loved by my Creator. 

I walked today.  Away from confusion, destruction and sin. 
I walked today.  Toward clarity and love and redemption.

I walked today.

¹³ Jesus answered her, “Everyone who drinks this water will become thirsty again. ¹⁴ But those who drink the water that I will give them will never become thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give them will become in them a spring that gushes up to eternal life.”

John 4:13-14