Say Yes to the Walk

 From reluctance to renewal: how a simple walk with her children revived Lilia Grundy’s spirit.  

It felt like I was doing too many of the chores that I had wanted to do, and I could start to feel it in my lower back. As I bent down to pick up some trash off the floor, I heard my daughter softly ask, “Can we go on a walk?”

I had been looking forward to relaxing on my comfy couch and finally getting the chance to read my book. My daughter must have sensed my reluctance, as she insisted, “Please? It’s so nice out, and we can get some fresh air.”

In that instant, my mind urged me to say yes, and I did. I noticed a spark of surprise in my daughter's expression, but she quickly flashed me a broad smile as we prepared to head out the door with her twin sister in tow.

Admittedly, I was still hesitant to go on the walk after committing to it. As I reluctantly put on my shoes, I wondered what I could have accomplished if I had simply chosen to stay home. But it was Sunday — the Sabbath, after all. Besides, how could I resist a teenager who actually wanted to spend time with me?

Once we stepped outside our home and I took a deep breath of the crisp, fresh air, I was determined to make this the best walk ever.

But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

Outdoor Therapy

We walked uphill, as our home is situated at the bottom of the cul-de-sac, and the pace got my heart pumping. It made me feel alive! I couldn’t resist taking in all the beautiful sights — the blue skies, fluffy clouds, and majestic trees. It felt like instant medicine to be outside. And the stats prove this is true!

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology states that spending at least 20 minutes in a natural setting significantly reduces cortisol levels, a stress hormone, by 21.4%, enhancing mental health and well-being.

The bottom line is that being outdoors in nature is good for our health. God wanted me to rest. He wanted me to get outside and praise Him. He wanted me to spend time with my girls, and I was grateful.

In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:2-3)

Nature’s Embrace

Our little walking adventure took us through the community park, along the creek, and back up through the surrounding streets. We discovered a new trail that led us past a pond where we encountered a friendly cat whom the neighbors told us was named Mickey. Mickey seemed to enjoy our company so much that he decided to walk with us for a little while, until he felt he had ventured too far from home. We said our goodbyes and then admired the sunset.

Refreshed and renewed from our walk, I thanked my girls for inviting me to join them. Being outside with my family felt like a hug from heaven — nature’s embrace. While I know the weather won’t hold up for frequent walks (we do live in the Northwest, after all), I learned an important lesson: Say yes to invites to spend time with my girls, say yes to getting outside whenever possible, and always say yes to spending time with Him.

Reflect on Your Last Outdoor Experience

What feelings did it evoke, and how can you create more moments like that? How does spending time outdoors shift your perspective? Make a plan to explore a new trail or park with your loved ones.

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Copyright 2026 Lilia Grundy
Images: copyright 2026 Lilia Grundy, all rights reserved.