Stop a moment and think with me about a simple walking stick. A walking stick can be an elaborate wand of polished wood with a gold tip, a slim, carved body, and a lovely custom handle carved for comfort. Or, a walking stick can be a small limb picked up off the ground while on the trail. Either way, beautiful or plain, a walking stick is a utilitarian item that must serve its purpose.
When we grab onto a walking stick, it is because we need support, to find better balance on the path. A walking stick must stay right by our side, can’t judge the journey, and must silently lend confidence as we navigate rocky terrain.
We all need walking sticks in our lives; walking sticks are those people who are there for us when we need them. These are the people who lend a hand without question, who love us without condition, and support us without judgement.
There are times in each of our lives when we need to reach for a walking stick, so think about those people in your life who will steady you when you hit the rough patches that we inevitably face. Give yourself permission to reach for them when you need balance and support.
Now, look in the mirror. Whether you see plain or fancy, the other side of this coin is that we each must be willing to serve as a walking stick for those in our lives that we love.
So, may you always have the strength to be a walking stick when needed, and may you always find a walking stick within easy reach when you stumble on the path of life…
Chalk Dust and Dreams 