A friend of mine is an experienced distance walker. He likes to take holiday from his high pressure job and simply walk. His walks have varied in length from a few days to a few months.
Last autumn he took a walk here in the UK - along the Cornish Coastal Path. After a breakfast pasty (no not really!) he set off from St Ives and set off to traverse the tip of Cornwall. Initially the walking was easy but soon it became steep and fairly arduous - yet the pathway was good … as was the weather.
On the second day things changed. The quality of the path deteriorated and walking became more difficult. The path came onto a section where it followed the edge of the cliffs and on its other side it had a high embankment. There was no alternative but to follow this pathway.
He says he was unaware of the change in the character of the path as he was deep in thought - mentally a thousand miles away (writing a sermon - again just joking!). He was walking on autopilot.
His reverie was disturbed by a loud sound - a mechanical sound. He stopped and looked around him. In that moment several things became clear. First he was on a very narrow path with a sheer drop at its edge. Second there now a gusty wind developing (despite the assurances of the Met Office). Third there was a search and rescue helicopter just behind him and a little out to sea. There was the source of the noise!
He told me that the helicopter followed him at a safe distance, its presence having alerted him to the potential dangers of terrain and weather.
After some time the route changed. The pathway moved away from the cliffs, broadened and moved inland. It was now also sheltered from the gusty wind. At the point the helicopter dipped its nose and turned and flew off out to sea.
A ‘guardian angel’.
The faith parallels are easy to see. God the protector. God who walks with us in the dangerous and difficult times. God the guide to safe paths. (For more inspiration read the 23rd Psalm).
In our walk of life we encounter challenge, joy, hardship, fun, reflection, danger and much more.
The good news is - wherever, and however we walk through life - God is with us each step of the way!
David
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
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