This week, for the first time since I began writing a weekly Scripture Walk reflection, I experienced writer’s block.
Usually, the thoughts flow freely. I had several ideas in my head, but none of them seemed just right. I realized that I needed to go back to the beginning and reflect on my “why.”
Why am I called to lead scripture walks?
Going into the holiday season 2025 was difficult for me after the death of my dad in November. I was not looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas without my dad. I didn’t want to ignore Christmas, but I also couldn’t focus on Christmas activities.
I found myself spending many hours a day reading the Bible rather than thinking about Christmas gift buying. When I did think about gift-buying, I knew that I would only feel up to shopping online. I began researching “experience” gifts online while the words “scripture walk” kept repeating in a loop in my brain.
I came across the Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku, which is the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. I also found the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership and read the books on the Level 1 Certification reading list.
I began figuring out what a scripture walk could look like. I saw it as a way to show joy, respect and thankfulness for nature, rather than focusing on the way that humans are endangering the planet.
After a series of sacred encounters during December, I knew that I was called by God to begin leading seekers and believers on mindful walks in nature with the Bible as our guide.
The Lord is with me and I know what I need to do.
I have never questioned this calling. That is My “WHY.”
Mary Kaeding