I was recently challenged to go for a walk and use all my senses to experience God. I was unsure how it would go. I had never really tried to use my sense of taste or touch to connect with God in nature. Should I touch the plants, or take my shoes off to feel the grass and dirt? Should I taste the wild dewberries? As I walked the trail I tried to let go of expectations and prayed that God would show me what He had for me.
I sat on a bench and along came a grandad walking very slowly with his little two-year-old granddaughter. He stopped by some tall grass, and I overheard him say, “Oh, look at this grass! See how it feels!” He ran his hand over the top of the blades of grass, and she did the same. They stood there admiring and experiencing the tall grass. Then they meandered their way along the path, toward me. I said, “Good morning. That’s a sweet little buddy you have with you.” He said, beaming with pride, “This is Evelyn. She’s my granddaughter.” He told me he was visiting from out of state and that he and Evelyn had come to the park every morning for the past five days. They walked on a few steps, then he stopped and picked her up to show her the ducks across the pond. He was in no hurry to get anywhere and was delighting in his time with Evelyn.
I love that Grandad’s introduction of Evelyn simply included her name and that she is his granddaughter - not her age, preferences, or abilities. Her identity in relation to him was all that mattered. He loved being with her simply because she is his. As I watched them walk away, I knew God was saying, “I love you like that grandad loves Evelyn.” Fully and completely. Because I am His.
Rebecca Steinbach
“In the Trenches” Contributing Writer
Wife, Mother of 3 girls, and avid travel planner!