Walking Each Other Home

Jesus said, “After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am.”  John 14:3

With the few days of warmer weather and sunshine, the hope of Spring filled my soul and the late afternoon walks were refreshing.  I did not need to bundle up and could actually enjoy the fresh air.  I have enjoyed walks most of my life.  As a child, I enjoyed walking with my Grandma in town to the library, the museum and the stores downtown.  I felt privileged to walk with my Grandma and be associated with such a special lady.

Over the years, I have walked my dogs thousands of miles in parks, neighborhoods, fields and road side rests.  I walked both of my dogs – Specs and Annie – who always seemed to know the way home.  Walking was a great way to get exercise for my dogs and for myself, and it got us outside to enjoy God’s creation and interact with neighbors and other people on the path.

In a walk, there is usually a purpose and goal.  We walk for exercise, to enjoy nature, to relax and refresh, or just take a stroll.  I enjoy walking through small towns or when on a trip, I walk to explore the area.  When you walk, you see more sights and take in the details along the way.  You also meet some of the most interesting people because you slow down and take the time to talk with those along the way.

Recently, I have shared about my friend, Jan, who walked into Heaven and took the journey home to be with Jesus.  Over the years, Jan and I have walked with each other through the challenges and celebrations of life.  We walked together through life changes, grief, family situations, ministry, and trusted each other as we walked and talked and shared the depth of our hearts.  I had the privilege to help walk Jan to her final home.

I have been reflecting on this walk.  Maybe we are called to help walk each other home.  It is more than walking someone to the front door of their home or dorm room.  I remember in college being walked home to my dorm.  It was a way of showing respect, care, and protection.  When we walk with people in the storms of life, we are telling the person that we care, we want to help carry the burden, and we love them.

God has given me the privilege of walking with many people and families on this last journey from earth to Heaven.  The walk is more than the release of the physical body; it is preparing the soul for eternal life with Jesus.  This preparation is not just at the final stage of life, but it should be happening throughout our entire life. 

It is the awareness that Jesus walks beside us just like he walked with the disciples throughout his ministry.  While walking, Jesus taught his disciples and enjoyed the fellowship and laughter of his friends.  He told them that he was preparing a place for them in heaven and would come back and take them to be with him.  I believe Jesus prepares a place for you and me.  He comes to walk us home.

My friend, Jan, saw a gravel road as she was transitioning from earth to Heaven.  She was walking home, and I got the privilege of knowing the road she was taking.  My husband, Dave, saw the beauty of heaven with its flowers, trees and brilliant colors and the angel that was going to walk him home.  Knowing what he was seeing and that he was not alone, helped me to release Dave to take his journey home to Heaven.

My dear friend, John, took his journey to Heaven this past week.  John was a fisherman and he enjoyed just being outside in his garden and yard in his retirement years.  I believe John walked to his eternal home along the river of life and then sat down to fish with Jesus.  This image fills me with peace.  I remember some of my last walks with John.  He strolled more than walked.  He was slowing down and reminded me to enjoy the stroll and be present and in the moment with the ones with whom you are walking. 

As we walk people home, slow down and listen.  Be present.  Share Jesus with them even when they cannot feel the presence of Jesus in the midst of the pain.  Be present with people on the journey of life.  Walk with them, don’t just tell them what to do.  Walk beside them.  Walk closer to Jesus as you journey down the road of life.  Keep your focus on Jesus.

“Just a closer walk with Thee.  Grant it Jesus, is my plea.  Daily walking close to Thee.  Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”