I looked at the map of New York City, and I knew I could do it. My hotel was on the upper west side of Manhattan, and I needed to go to the lower east side—about 7 miles, I figured. A nice walk for a Saturday. I could take a cab, a bus, or the subway, of course. But if I really wanted to see the Big Apple, I knew walking was the way to go.

So I did. Down Broadway to Central Park. Past hundreds of storefronts. Through Chinatown. Hearing the sounds. Smelling the smells. Studying the people. Watching the traffic. Visiting the shops. I really felt like a part of New York City. It took time and effort, but it was well worth both.

As we travel this journey we call the Christian life, we face a similar choice. We can take the easy route—depending on others to give us all our instruction, shortcutting our way past a good prayer-life, or speedreading a passage of Scripture and calling it "devotions." Or we can make the effort and take the time to get close to God.

Why not take a long walk with God today? As you map out your course, choose to "seek Him with [your] whole heart" (Psalm 119:2), study His Word, and obey what He says. Such a walk will be a delight!  —JDB  — Dave Branon