The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

Recently my daughter showed me a health “app” on my I-phone. It counts the number of steps, miles and flights of stairs I walk every day. Each new day, without my saying yea or nay to it, the count starts all over. Disturbingly, the app also states my weight and that I am “older.” I don’t even want to think about how such personal information has been retrieved.

It seems that 10,000 steps is the magic, active health goal to reach and so because I wanted to stay healthy, I’ve tucked my phone into my pocket when I walk, checking progress during and afterwards. Oh, no. The loop I thought was 2 miles is only 1.76. I only walked 4,600 steps in an hour? Can’t be true. Next time I’ll take smaller steps or criss-cross the road like Rudy dog used to. Aha, I rationalize. I walk all over the house and gardens and climb lots of stairs at least a dozen times a day which isn’t recorded on my phone. I’m certain I walk at least 10,000 steps. Probably twice 10,000. Maybe I should get one of those cute “fit bit” wrist bands my friends wear to track my activity. I can push myself to 10,000 steps. Older, indeed!

Today I left the phone at home. My early morning walk was sweet. Birds sang in the pines, the purple asters bloom and berries are forming on the trees. I met others out walking and more than a few eager dogs sniffing my legs. At the edge of a ravine, wild gooseberries were ripening. The air was cool and clear as cut crystal. I thanked God for the morning’s loveliness, reminded that my life is a free gift from a loving, generous God. I don’t have to do anything to receive from Him or please Him or prove to Him.

I realize that this goal of 10,000 daily steps is about performance, trying to achieve an arbitrary goal set by strangers. I applaud the intention to have an active and healthy lifestyle. But when my walks focus on the number of steps, comparing my best efforts or being frustrated with the results, then it’s performance , not progress. Soon I get caught in the performance trap, how well I measure up. Performance at a job, in sports, in personal goals – all define how well the world – and we – value ourselves.

Physical, mental and spiritual health is not about the number of steps we walk. It definitely is not about an I-phone app or fancy wristband. I choose to stay active as well and long as possible but not by sacrificing beauty and blessing. In my daily walks with God, He counts my steps and orders them. He knows how far I‘ve come and how far I still have to go. I have the Holy Spirit who walks alongside, pointing out this and that secret treasure.

Jesus died on the cross to set everyone free from “performing.” Ten thousand steps into eternity began when Jesus walked to Golgotha. Because of Him, 10,000 by 10,000 times, God is near to those who believe in His Son.

I don’t need a satellite honing in on my devices to track my steps. Fit bit? No, thanks. I’m on a different walk.