Walking by Default

My visiting nurse (from whom I am now discharged) had told me to walk around my house at least 3 minutes, three times per day (more if able). It helps to keep the blood and air flowing to prevent pneumonia and blood clots, and maybe to keep up a little strength and energy in general.

Normally, I would not have chosen to exercise by walking circles around my house. It tends to make people nervous to see someone walking back and forth in a confined space. But it is too cold and icy for outdoor walks, and simpler than mall walks. So here I am. My family is coping (and sometimes joining in).

When I was still in the hospital, I walked by default. I did not get much sleep in the hospital bed on my back. So sometimes I would just get up in the night and walk around the halls until the battery on my IV pole ran too low and started beeping incessantly.

Now, I walk (when I have the energy) because I was told to do so, but also because it feels good. I walk with my thoughts and prayers in the quiet. I walk to the rhythm of Sheryl Crow's "Out of Our Heads and Into Our Hearts" (gift from a teenager). I walk when I am on the phone and when I floss my teeth. When my sister was here, she walked with me, but cautioned John to explain to anyone who looked in the windows why it looked like she was chasing me.

I also am reminded of a song we learned in my childhood church called, "In the Garden" about walking with God. "And he walks with me and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."

I am thankful for walks.