Several months ago I had to run an errand that was a distance of about five kilometers (about three miles), round trip. 

“Perfect,” I thought. “I’ll walk there and back.” When I go out walking with a special purpose, or even simply for enjoyment, I often feel overwhelming gratitude to God. The immense joy and freedom I feel at these times is incomparable. However, this hasn’t always been the case. 

From early childhood I suffered from what was medically diagnosed as a serious and chronic respiratory disease. My physical activity was severely restricted because any physical effort prevented me from breathing normally. Any variation in the weather affected me. I had to spend much of my time indoors and was unable to go into our garden or attend school regularly.