In one Zoom meeting I participated in during the pandemic, there was a sister who was the last to join. When her video came up on my screen, I heard these words, “Ask her to walk with you.” After the meeting, those words would not leave me. One little problem for me in asking, would mean I would have to walk too if she said yes! I was not walking at the time and was nervous about starting. I wanted to start though… so I sent her a text, “Would you like to walk with me sometime?” She did… and we have been walking buddies ever since. We know each other. We work together. She lives down the hall and up one floor. 

It turns out… she loves the hills! We walk hilly roads quite often.

I have to confess…. I’m a flatlander at heart. I love easy. I love comfort. I love strolling. Sybil Road is my favorite place to walk. Those from my little town will know what I’m talking about. No hills, just a long country road with big mulberry trees to shade you from the morning sun. My husband’s Mayberry family and others have pecan orchards, farms and animals along the way that make it a beautiful,  peaceful, happy walk. It really is a remarkable piece of heaven, not typical in the Arizona desert.          

I’ve had some “hills” lately, struggling with some aspects of Ashton’s organ donation. I sure was NOT thankful for this hill when I was climbing it. Well… that hill is behind me now and I can see God’s hand. I learned something. I learned the blessing that forgiveness is. It is freedom. I am free from that burden.

In my morning prayer I found myself saying the words that are the title of this post, “I’m thankful for the hills.” 

This same morning my friend and I walked in a light rain, up and down some hills with my umbrella for an hour. The first week I started walking those hills, I was exhausted. Had to take a nap in the afternoon. I am stronger now; I can walk those hills. I feel great when I get home.

In New Zealand they don’t let the rain stop them. They are out in it. They just put their raincoats on and go about their day. We are looking for raincoats. We plan to keep walking no matter the weather. Having a friend to walk and talk with on these physical rainy hills makes it more bearable and enjoyable.

I AM so thankful for both kinds of hills. Not while I’m climbing them, but it sure helps me really appreciate the “Sibyl Roads”, and the lightness of the flatlands of my life. The physical hills make my body stronger. The emotional ones teach me SO MUCH and help strengthen my spirit.

I acknowledge my God…. my Strength, my Guide, my Ultimate Friend, walking these emotional hills of life beside me and helping me climb them.

Written by Faye