“From the Hart” Devotional for May 2, 2024

“With Whom Will You Walk?”
by Julie Hart, Director of Connectional Ministries

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

I am a mountain girl. I enjoy discovering new trails and exploring God’s creation. There is something exciting about standing at the entrance of a trail that you’ve never hiked before. Often times, there are multiple trailheads or paths to choose from with information about the length and rigor of the trails so you can decide which way to go based on your time and ability restraints. I try to come prepared with the right gear (backpack, sturdy shoes, a hat, etc.) as well as any supplies I may need (water, sun block, and snacks) before hitting the trail. And I rarely hike alone! A big part of the joy for me is in sharing the adventure with someone else. I also feel safer venturing off into unknown places with someone by my side in case something goes wrong along the way.

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend an evening at the Walter Hoving Home. The Walter Hoving Home is a place for women who are dealing with life-controlling problems like addiction, who long to live a better life. I had been invited to share in their family meal and speak at their mid-week chapel. I had no idea what to expect when I pulled up in front of the house and stood at the path leading up to the front door. I was warmly welcomed and felt at home right away.

As we broke bread together, the conversation was about someone we needed to forgive. There were some painful and heartbreaking answers from some of the women, but I recognized right away that each of them needed to forgive someone who had walked a part of their journey with them. In some cases, they were trying to forgive the person who had led them to the path of destruction that they were trying to get off of. Forgiving someone for wrecking your life and leading you to the painful path you are on is a hard thing to do; but, as Eleanor Roosevelt says,: “You must do the thing that you think you cannot do.” I pray that each of those special ladies will get to the place of forgiveness and stay on the right path they are on.

In her book Spiritual Insights, Evelyn B. Penney says, “The importance is not where we walk, but with whom we walk.” In this one life that we have all been given, we have been given free will — the choice to decide which trail we will pick and with whom we will choose to walk beside us. When we are children, most of these decisions are made for us. But, as adults, we get to decide. So how do we go about making this decision?

Here are some questions to consider:

The rating system for hikes according to Nevada Trail Finder is easiest, easy, moderate, difficult, and expert.
Which trail do you feel like you are on right now? Is it flat and smooth, slightly hilly, narrow, steep, or slippery?

Rasheed Ogunlaru says: “In life one has a choice to take one of two paths: to wait for some special day – or to celebrate each special day.”
How do you go about celebrating the small gifts and blessings in ordinary days? How many of your best memories are ones that came from doing ordinary things on ordinary days?

In Psalm 23:3, we read: “He guides me along the right paths…”
How has God led you to the right path?

Dear Lord,
The question that was on Micah’s heart so many years ago is also on our hearts today: Just what is it that you want from us? The answer then is the same answer now: justice, kindness, and humility. It is my desire to walk this path that is set before me with love and humility. And it is you whom I choose to travel this unknown path with. Thank you for holding my hand and guiding me. Amen.