in the beginning

It was about eight or nine years ago when I took an early retirement from Bell Atlantic. I did so in order to work full time as the Pastor of the small Vineyard church we started. I was looking forward to some serious times of prayer. My first day I went to my knees by my bed . Since my office was in my home with a small desk in our bedroom it seemed a logical place to go to get with God. It didn't take me long to realize that this was not going to work out. The phone started ringing or my thoughts would turn to the pile of things on my desk that needed attending to. I knew that I had to get away from all the distractions if I wanted some serious quiet solitude . Thus began a wonderful experience I've enjoyed and jealously guarded from that time to the present. I have found that prayerwalking has given me time with The Father without distraction. I have learned to chat with him about everything. I never was one for formal type prayer. As I walk I envision him walking along beside me minus the bright and flowing robes we picture him wearing. He seems (as I envision him) dressed in clothes not so unlike that of the common variety. Not on every walk do I "see" him with my minds eye but I certainly know he is there. I have learned over the years to have this two way conversation with Abba. I'll talk for a while then I'll try to be quiet and listen for his response. I mostly talk out loud with Papa so I try to walk in places where there are not a lot of people. I go to the Wildflower reserve in a state park ( gives me a great excuse to ride my Harley and get some "wind therepy". Sometimes I walk a bike trail closer to home. Both places allow me to speak out loud to God without a lot of people around. One time when I could not go far from home I walked around the neighborhood for a couple of miles. My mind was really on some other matters and I found myself walking faster and faster in order to get back to the office . As I was hurrying along I distincly heard Fathers voice asking " What are you doing? What is your hurry? Do you not know that what you are doing right now is the most important thing you can do all day?. Take your time theres much to talk about. That other stuff will get done ---don't worry about it.From that day to this I have never tried to hurry through my time talking to Papa.