Marks on our Hearts

For much of my life, walking has been an important part of my morning routine. I walk in woods, on trails and paths; I bushwhack and wade, if necessary. Gently flowing dirt roads, with little traffic, make my heart sing and my feet feel light. I have a pair of comfortable hiking boots, my "Magic shoes", that I have come to believe make me sail over the earth. Each morning it seems a different adventure awaits. 

My morning walks are also filled with introspection and knowledge seeking. 

On these walks, when I am feeling at peace, I often send short and (what I hope to be) inspirational videos to Meagan (Cooper's Crossroad's social media guru). Frequently I quote wise folks and sometimes I will spout out a few words that seem to make sense. 

June 3 was no different. As I hiked and spoke, I heard the deep truth in the words coming from somewhere inside: 

"Whether in reality or in memory or in hope, I believe our well worn paths leave marks on our hearts...so, where are your well worn paths?"

Our well worn paths? 

I suppose they can be physical paths, as in trails hiked regularly or our daily routines. 

Or mental paths, the hours we all spend thinking about and navigating our daily lives.

Spiritual paths are available to us as well, should we choose.

Much of our paths lie in dreams. Dreams of success, joy, travel, really anything. You think about and hope on something long enough and by golly, those paths happen.

For days after that social media post, I could not stop thinking about the marks on my heart. What history and life experiences have carved the well worn paths that I walk on? What paths have I skipped down and veered away from? What paths make me feel as if I am coming home? And what paths are adventures in the making? 

Memories, strong in our minds, are worn paths waiting for our return.

What well worn paths have left marks on your heart?

With gratitude for the well worn path of summer,

Christina