Earlier this month I added trekking poles to my daily walk. Surprisingly I didn’t trip myself! But initially figuring out the right length and moving my legs and arms in a syncopated rhythm was comical. Who knew one’s arms could ‘walk’ faster than one’s feet? Apparently, it happens. Or at least it did with me. I’m sure my neighbors were wondering (I know they watch because one mentioned she likes my hat), why I was using them just to walk around the neighborhood. Is she injured? Does she have muscle or joint issues? I’m fine, and the reason for the poles will be explained in a later post.

Once my arms and legs decided to work in tandem, I was surprised at how different my walking felt. How could those two quarter-sized pole tips give me so much stability? But they do. I knew they’d help going up and down hills by transferring some of the pressure off my legs, but it wasn’t until I experienced the change that I wondered, why hadn’t I used them sooner. I walk more erect with them. Because I feel more supported, I look around more and notice more, especially nature’s beauty. I’m getting better exercise since my arms are working more. Such a simple device making such a strong impact.

That new awareness and some things that happened over the last couple of weeks led to today’s post.

Last weekend, a friend pulled me aside to share some devastating news–a family member, 13 years-old, had taken her own life just days before. He wanted to tell me because, in his words, I’m a praying person.

If we’re Facebook Friends, you’re aware I’ve been requesting prayers for a member of my family. Mark is a gifted photographer and master gardener, but in mid-October he sustained a serious accident that took all his fingers and part of his thumb on his dominant hand. He then suffered a massive stroke, leaving his other side paralyzed. And so, we pray.

I thought about prayer last Monday as I walked. How prayer is like those trekking poles–adding support and stability, easing pressure, allowing one to see more of God’s beauty in those around us, making us stronger. How sometimes it seems like such a small thing, yet provides so much.

I’ve never been a believer in the saying, ‘God won’t give you any more than you can handle.’ First, I don’t think God gives us any of the hardships that befall us. They happen because of our own poor choices, because of someone else’s poor choices, or the laws of science or nature. Second, I don’t believe we’re supposed to handle everything ourselves. We’re created to be in relationship. These situations are opportunities to be each other’s trekking poles offering support, taking weight off, helping us see better, making us stronger.

The latest word on Mark is he’s able to move some toes and fingers a bit on his ‘paralyzed’ side. He can hold up his other leg a bit longer than before. He has movement in his damaged hand. He stays awake longer. His cognitive ability continues to improve. I saw a recent picture of him a few days ago and it brought me to happy tears. He’s gone from being on palliative care to being a fighter. There is still a long road ahead of them, but at least there’s a road.

I pray for Mark’s continued healing to whatever degree that may be, believing that every bit is a miracle. I pray that his wife, their children and Grands have the strength, energy, patience for this long journey. I offer a prayer of thanksgiving because I know there are family and friends–their trekking poles–supporting them all along the way, providing strength when they grow weary.

There is no bringing back the precious little girl who took her life, so I pray for her family’s broken hearts that will never be the same. Because I know my friend, I know that family has support, too.

We celebrate Thanksgiving this week. It comes with mixed blessings for me this year. I have so much to be grateful for – a roof over my head, food in my pantry (the mouse has not returned), family, friends … I could go on. But Thursday we’ll celebrate with a family member who lost a husband earlier this year. Thanksgiving was their favorite holiday.

My friend’s family held the funeral for their 13-year-old daughter and sister this past Thursday. Will their conversation at some point turn to ‘just a week ago today …’

I wish all of you a Blessed Thanksgiving and safe travels for those who wander from home.

I’ll be back next Monday with an old book … because I’m old. Have a great week!