One Step at a Time

Last Sunday we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the CROP Walk for Hunger. It marked the 26th year I have been privileged to raise money by participating with numerous others walking in the event nationwide. Our congregation has been involved in this great cause for the past 25 years, and we usually have 15 or 20 members doing the walk. The funds we raise from donations provide food here locally as well as nationwide. In 2018 $8,300,000 was raised by 87,000 participants in 800 walks around the country. 

I'm now 76 years old, and it has been my honor to work as a volunteer fund-raiser and sponsor for most of my adult life, serving non-profit organizations like Outreach International, World Vision, and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to donating money, I have always believed in the importance of active participation in the groups who are working to help those less fortunate and helping make the world a better place. My mother taught me that we should always strive to leave things better than they were before. So that has been my motivation throughout life. We clean up our messes by re-using and recycling. We help the environment by planting flowers and trees. We thank God every day for his beautiful creation and look forward to being in nature, walking and enjoying the all loveliness around us. We are privileged to live here and partake in the rich bounty which the Lord provides.

When I write my next book, I plan to include a number of poems and stories highlighting the wonders of nature I see all around me. Naturalist and author John Muir, the father of our national parks, has written about the wonder of nature with these words: "In every walk in nature one receives far more than he seeks." 

When I am tired and need some good exercise, I take a nature walk for half an hour. At those times when am feeling depressed or afraid or unsure about a looming decision I need to make, a walk among the trees and gardens refreshes me and lifts my soul; I feel a closeness to God that is indescribeable. I am never alone in nature. God is always by my side, and I walk and talk with him just as I would with my best friend, feeling reassured of his love and compassion and ever-presence with me. 

Muir reminds us that being in nature will help us to "wash our spirit clean." It works, and I recommend it for everyone every week. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe and healthy, and may you find joy in his presence as I do. Amen.

Gene Groner

Gene is the author of 35 books on faith, hope, and love. He also writes inspirational poetry and daily messages of peace, hope and love at www.amazon.com/Gene-Allen-Groner/e/B077YTVSJZ