Walking Season

 It is now the time of the year that I call "walking season" here in Russia. Each year after the long winter melts away into spring, all of the mothers and their children resume their tradition to "gulyat," or "go walking," at least once, but usually twice a day. Usually this means moms hanging out on the community playgrounds for hours each day as their children play.

This time of year is always meaningful to me as it is the short season when I really have the opportunity to easily meet new people. I join the Russian moms and my kids and I "gulyat" along with everyone else. I pray each year that God would make ways for the gospel and for my kids and I to be a light in our community. He is so faithful to answer this prayer!

I've been studying Colossians lately and was so encouraged to get to chapter 4, verses 5 and 6, right at the beginning of walking season.

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. " Col. 4:5-6 (ESV)

I pray that God would give me wisdom in how to "walk" this season, that I'd use these precious few months well for His glory and the sake of the souls of my new friends. I pray that I would interact with my kids and neighbors in a way that reflects Him, and that He would give me just the right words that would draw their hearts toward Christ.

What are some of the seasons or times when you have special opportunities to connect with others and reach out to those in your community? How do you make the best use of such times?