Whenever my daughter Rebekah leaves me a note or a birthday or anniversary present, there is almost always a little something extra with it — chocolate. Whenever I spend time with my daughter Elaina, we always seek out a bakery or chocolate shop to ensure our sweet tooth is satisfied. Although this may seem insignificant to most people, it is very special to me. I know it is not the healthiest of habits, but they know enough about their dad to want to do something which will always bring a smile to my face as well as some warm and fuzzy feelings. They are reaching for one of the key elements or the essence of who I am.

I often think about them when I think about my relationship with God. As my daughters have “walked” with me throughout their lives, I have always wanted to do what Enoch and Noah did — walk with God! “Enoch walked with God 300 years. . . . then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:22b, 24a). And “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God”(Genesis 6:9b). Scripture conveys the concept of walking with God through the Hebrew word “halak,” which means “to come along side.” It expresses the thought that you are moving along together in step with each other and enjoying each other’s presence because you are similar and heading in the same direction. It also suggests that you can change pace or get off track if you want while enjoying the safety of each other’s company. As you share your personal needs and the intimate details of your life, you become transparent to each other. And, with your friend, there will be times when it is ok to just walk quietly without saying a word. You simply relish each other’s company.

Amos 3:3 reinforces halak’s meaning and communicates the concept further: “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” This verse along with other scripture suggests that if you were walking together in agreement, you also possess similar natures. When you halak with God, you are doing so because you have adopted a divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and that you and your partner are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). When I realized the simplicity of what God was saying, it dawned on me that this was something that you and I can do — IF we really wanted to. The reality is that we often find ourselves in a place where we want to hide FROM Him, rather than be WITH Him.

If you can’t remember halaking with someone you love or respect you need to find a beach or a quiet nature trail. Your relationship with God should be no different. When was the last time you walked with Him on an old dirt road in the middle of nowhere? Can you close your eyes and feel the warmth of Him next to you? Can you see yourself thinking, asking questions, smiling, joking, recalling events, feeling His arm on your shoulder, and even crying together? If you can, then you know the experience of walking with Deity. Even if you haven’t up until now, you can. You can be like Enoch and Noah. You don’t need more theological knowledge. The reality is that you need less sophistication. You need the mind of a child. Just be willing to offer God what is like candy to me — your heart and mind — all of it!

Love, Dad