Walking In Circles ~ By Carol Ann Pinckard

Some years ago I lived in a small subdivision where the streets were situated in such a way as to form a circle. This circle became the “neighborhood walking track.” In the early evenings some of the ladies would walk together for exercise and fellowship. On occasion someone would push their little ones in a stroller and the older children would follow us on their bicycles. One time around more or less equaled one half of a mile. So, several times around would give us a little workout. Although at the time I was unaware, it was during these little workouts that I began my walk with the Lord.
 
At first I welcomed the fellowship. We would discuss marriage, child-rearing, gardening and community events. I learned a few things but most of all I felt like I “belonged” to something. I looked forward to the next time and my new group of friends. Then one evening one of the ladies started talking about the church she attended. Soon everyone was engaged in conversation about her church—everyone except me that is. At the time I didn’t attend church. I knew that God existed, but not much else and certainly not the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I kept silent through our walk that evening and just smiled whenever anyone looked my way. No one really asked where I went to church so I breathed a sigh of relief and was glad not to be put on the spot.
 
The next night as I prepared to meet for our workout I thought about the previous night and hoped that the topic of church would not be brought up again. But, no sooner had we passed around the circle one time, when someone started talking about it. I thought about just turning into my driveway when we reached it so that I would not have to feel uncomfortable again, but then I thought that would be too obvious and someone would figure out that I did not attend church. So, I once again smiled and listened. Soon the conversation changed from church activities to Scripture and salvation. Now this I was not prepared for. As each comment was made I began to feel more and more like bolting for my house. So, after just a few times around I excused myself and said something about dishes waiting in the sink.
 
Once inside the house I began to cry. I’m not sure if it was because of my lack of knowledge about Scripture or the emptiness I felt when I realized that I was not really a part of the group. I went to the kitchen to wash dishes and soon the tears turned to anger and criticism. I was angry that they had not even considered that maybe someone in the group did not share their enthusiasm about religion. Had it not crossed their minds that not everyone goes to church? As I began to criticize them, I thought, why do I need to be saved? Saved from what? I had done fine with my life up until now. Who are they to think that I needed faith for my life to be complete? This whole idea of salvation was foreign to me. I then resolved to myself that I would continue walking with them if only to show them that I did not need Christianity to make me whole. Again I was unaware that my walking with the Lord would soon begin.
 
Each subsequent evening I would join the group and listen to the conversation. Soon I began to envy their peace and tranquility and I wanted desperately to have these. At the time my personal life was really in chaos and I wasn’t sure how it would all turn out. However, I did know that somehow the Lord would be a part of the process of getting my life on track. What had begun as a leisurely walk turned into a race. I felt as if I were racing to find out what was missing in my life. I wanted to know so much all at once.
 
Years have passed since those evenings I spent walking around the circle in that little neighborhood. The Lord has placed people in my life that have encouraged me in my study of His Word. “Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth.” (Psalm 86:11) Indeed I have walked, and walked, and walked. Many times I have walked in circles only to have the Lord lead me out of the darkness into the light of His Word. “He that followeth Me shall not walk in the darkness.” (John 8:12) I never tire of walking with the Lord as He has blessed my life in more ways than I can count.

Carol Ann Pinckard and her husband John homeschool their children in Terrell, Texas.
 

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