One day the Creator of the Universe called me to the park. A gentle finger tapping my shoulder over and over, He beckoned me to put down my work and go. So I did.
I started in my usual way. For years I had been walking at the park, striding purposefully to the loud music in my headphones, seeking exercise, accomplishment, escape. This day, after a song or two, I felt a prompting to turn off the music, put away the devices and open myself to God. Speak to Him. Listen for Him.
The park changed this August afternoon. I began to see Him everywhere. Birdsongs colored the trees. Holy Spirit glowed within me. I whispered to God an unbridled rush of thoughts, pleadings, fears, and concerns. The empty paths along the woods invited me to share my full voice with the expanse and I did, while God captured every word, as a friend keeping pace. He was there. He had been with me all along.
Why had I never noticed? I had been to this park hundreds of times but never strolling and delighting in God. No, I had been trying to reach for peace with strides of exertion and only exhausted myself in the effort. God offered to refresh me with His presence. On this day, the voice within me said, “I will be walking with you.” So I returned to walk with God every single day.
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Meeting God at the Park 