A Walk on Dog Street

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Dog Street is a nickname for Colonial Williamsburg’s Duke of Gloucester Street. It is quaint and well-trodden and almost in my own backyard. I have spent many hours walking on this historic pathway, mostly alone, but sometimes with my children and others. The street could generally be considered my “stomping grounds” since I walked the street as a student at the College of William and Mary many many years ago and still walk it today.

From participating in the Homecoming Parade with my sorority sisters, to watching my children march in the Matthew Whaley Elementary School Halloween Parade, to making it my “happy place” in my later years – this street holds my heart for some reason. Even for mishaps like my toddler son’s broken leg incident (don’t ask) when he was two years old and my broken arm in 2013 in a tripping accident while wearing crocks – this street is like my security blanket. I know it. I feel at home on it. I find peace and quiet there, even among the throngs of tourists.

Walking and waiting have a lot in common. Walking, it turns out, is very therapeutic for me. For the last 15 years, it has been my road for prayer, my opportunity to complete needed weight bearing exercise, and my remedy for getting stiff joints working and lower back pain relieved. For me, Dog Street is a perfect stress remover. I would add calorie burner, except on the days I go to Aroma’s to get a coffee smoothie…

Waiting on the Lord is also very therapeutic. It is my road for trust, my opportunity to believe His Word, and my remedy for removing doubt. Waiting allows God’s Spirit in. The July 20th devotional from My Utmost For His Highest (Oswald Chambers) challenges me to simply depend on God’s presence as the way to “wait on the Lord…walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Depending on God’s presence rather than succumbing to emotional rollercoasters. Depending on God’s presence rather than giving in to addictive distractions. Depending on God’s presence instead of seeking the next big spiritual high or ministry position.

Waiting for the Lord doesn’t mean inactivity. It means walking forward in faith while knowing that God’s presence doesn’t depend on a specific location or practice. There is no perfect time and no perfect place and no perfect circumstance needed. Just simply God’s presence.

Psalm 37:7 “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Even when bad things happen, the Lord leads my soul beside still waters (Psalm 23:2). So, I will keep the Lord in front of me as I possess the realness of His presence. With Him I will unhurriedly and carefully walk forward in faith. I will not fret. I will not faint. I will not trip. I will wait for Him. I will walk with Him.

Psalm 23:3 “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His Name’s sake.”