Today I went for a long hike alone. It was much needed, and I got to worship and talk to God in what felt like the middle of nowhere. However, as I was walking, I realized the importance of having a companion to do all the adventures with you. Someone there who will make the creepy, dark forest seem like a walk in the meadow or something to laugh about. Someone to enjoy the views right alongside you.
Everyone should find themselves a walking buddy. Someone who would go anywhere and be anywhere during any part of your life. It makes a difference in one’s life as we go about our day to day. They will be there during all our greatest adventures and will stand by our side as our day seems to be crashing all around us. There are many different types of walking buddies who find themselves making a little bit of a difference and here are just a few:
The Night Owl: This walking buddy seems to never sleep but is willing to go out in the middle of the night into the spooky woods where critters roam. Their flashlight creates moving shadows through the woods, but they stick close to one another keeping each other brave to continue through the woods until the end or run back to safety as things get a little too creepy. They will also stay up late to watch the stars, even if that means climbing on a roof.
The Circular Trailer: This walking buddy doesn’t care which direction you are going and, if you need to back track several times because you forgot something, they are there. They will walk anywhere you need to go, even if that means they are walking in circles.
The Go Get ‘Em: This walking buddy will put everything down to go play a game or two. They are willing to play a sport even if they are not quite appropriately dressed for the occasion. They will play a game with you and complete strangers who may not even speak their language. This walking buddy doesn’t have to be necessarily in shape, but their willingness keeps them going. This walking buddy will also look at the impossible and say they can make it happen. They will charge forward until they find a way to get through the game or run. They will run by your side even as a crowd of people swarm you from every place, your walking/running buddy is right there to stick with you.
The Comforter: This walking buddy doesn’t necessarily have to be walking with you. They will just sit at your side as tears stream down your face. They will listen to your concerns and fears then bring comforting words from the Father. They may bring you snacks such as chocolate and strawberries to ease the pain a little more. This person knows and hears your heart.
The Beach Babe: This walking buddy will walk along the sandy beaches with you picking up seashell after seashell as you go. They will even go out at night and sit on the sand with you listening to the crashing of the waves. They will tell you stories and laugh along side you. They will even venture down the dark beach and find turtles coming out of the sea with you, then talk your way out of turtle security patrol for being down there.
The Snacker: This walking buddy makes sure that you never go hungry. They will join you to go get all sorts of snacks such as: Ice cream, candy bars, chocolate, fruit, POPCORN, and more. They will go anywhere with you to help your cravings; they may even surprise you with a little treat.
The Stranger Happenings: Did I say that a walking buddy would go anywhere? Well, this walking buddy will follow you into a stranger’s home and sit with you as you’re surrounded by people who want you to stay for dinner. This buddy will eat a little more of the strange food so you don’t have to and will start conversations to bring you into it. They are willing to go with you into a complete stranger’s car that may take you where you need to go. Just know that you have someone there to experience the strange happenings within your life.
A walking buddy is someone we should all inspire to become. They are willing to set down their plans and leave for their friend. They put down their agenda and are willing to go anywhere and talk about anything. It doesn’t matter about the time of day or where they are, that person will go out of their way for the other.
Recently, I have been going on a lot of walks through this strange world. Sometimes its with fellow friends and teammates, and sometimes its alone. I had a really good walking buddy on the Race who would do all these things with me, we were each other’s “$7.50 walking buddy” because we were there with each other through everything. She might have been going through a lot, yet she would give up her time for me. This one’s for her.
In my time in Georgia, most of my walks have been alone. They have been a way to get away and process all that has happened recently. They have been a way grieve and mourn my friend going home. They have also been a great way where I could talk to God and gain a better understanding of life, love, and joy. He’s one of the greatest walking buddies one could ever find! God is all the above and more!
I hope we all can find a walking buddy or become a walking buddy for someone throughout our life.
With Love,
Laura Leigh Armstrong
