LEARN TO LOVE THE SOUND

There are moments in life when God invites us into a holy kind of courage. It’s not the kind that roars. It’s not the kind that postures. But rather… it’s the kind that quietly puts one foot in front of the other… and walks away.

Walks away from what drains us.

Walks away from what distorts us.

Walks away from what no longer serves the person God is shaping us to become.

I have often shared a quote with clients that, when I heard it, rocked my world and sank deep into my soul:

“Learn to love the sound of your feet walking away from the things that no longer serve you well.”

At first, it sounded too simplistic. Too self-helpish. But then the Spirit nudged: “Craig, this is not about running from responsibility. This is about returning to who you are in Me.”

Jesus Himself modeled this life-rhythm in stepping away to pray, withdrawing from crowds, setting boundaries with those who misunderstood Him. He was never afraid to walk away from what didn’t align with His Father’s will. And if the Son of God practiced this kind of purposeful distancing, why do we treat it like failure when we do?

Friend, some things are not meant to go with you into the next season. Things like:

old thought patterns,

toxic expectations,

the pressure to be everything for everyone,

habits that rob you of energy, peace, and joy,

relationships that abuse; or, ask for more and more and more… and never give.

Walking away isn’t quitting. Walking away isn’t weakness. Walking away is wisdom and strength in motion. It’s the intentional choosing of what is holy, over what is merely familiar.

You and I are not called to carry every burden, fix every situation, or stay planted in every place. We are called to discern. To listen. To walk with God—even when the path leads away from all the things we once held close or felt comfortable.

Scripture says it beautifully:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23

Guarding your heart requires boundaries… spiritual ones, emotional ones, physical ones, employment ones, and even relational ones. And sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is take a step back… and another, and another… and then, turn and walk until the noise quiets and the peace begins to return. 

So today, listen closely. What sound are your feet making? Where is that sound taking you?  Where is God gently urging you to move on, let go, release, or… to walk away. What old stories, heavy burdens, worn-out identities, unequally yoked or unhealthy relationships need to hear the holy sound of your footsteps fading away? 

Learn to love that sound.

Love the freedom in it.

Love the clarity in it.

Love the dignity in it.

Love the empowerment in it. 

Love the humility in it. 

Love the God who walks beside you in it.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to discern what belongs in my life and what no longer does. Give me the courage to walk away when You call me forward, and the grace to guard my heart with wisdom. Let me learn to love the sound of my feet walking away from the things that no longer serve me well; let me learn to love the sound of my feet approaching Your will… Your way…. and, YOU.

Let each step be in Your holy direction. In the name of The One who always walked toward You… Amen. 

____________

For Best Things…

Craig