I have been on a plethora of walks in my life. Some with loved ones, a few with near strangers. Some surrounded by wild flowers, a few surrounded by dry grass and bare trees. Some have been enjoyable, a few have been long and perhaps a little tortuous.

I am not sure exactly why I am so fond of walks/hiking. I like the exercise, yes, but I like the opportunities for sunlight, nature, and the presence of God. I don’t particularly like to hike when it’s hot (who doesn’t?), but I do love when I feel the wind.

Because as John 3: 8 (New American Bible) says, “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” I like when I feel the wind because I am reminded that God is with me, even (or, especially) when I can’t feel him or when I don’t have hardcore evidence.

What follows is a short reflection on a recent walk taken at dusk with my roommate. During this walk I noticed the wind as well as a few other things. Not all my walks are profound experiences as this one was, but not every one can be. But it goes to show that ordinary events can often become quite extraordinary.

Enjoy.

The trail rose in front of us, glowing in the dark. It was our flashlight and our plan for the immediate future.

It was past sunset in that eerie, but illuminating time of day. The trees on the top of the bluff were silhouetted against one of The Painter’s favorite shades of blue. Every branch was discernible and I could imagine running my fingers across its sharp needles.

We paused at a clump of sunflowers, perfectly formed, albeit small. Their yellow petals were bright despite the absence of sun. Their scent was like the promise of rain after a long, hot Colorado week.

On our way back to the car, I felt no prickling fear at my back. When my roommate switched the flashlight on, I wiggled my fingers in the beam, knowing for certain that there were no monsters behind or before me. For I knew the Spirit, who resides in the wind, had a hand on my shoulder.