With a small crew gathered, we set out for a gentle wander through the grasslands of Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve, on the edge of Canberra’s northern suburb of Throsby. This time, we intentionally kept our hike local. Rising fuel prices certainly played a part, but there was a deeper reason too. We wanted to remind ourselves that we don’t need to travel hundreds of kilometres or venture into remote wilderness to experience God’s creation. Sometimes His beauty, peace and presence are waiting just around the corner.
The morning greeted us with crisp winter air, softened by warm sunshine that made walking a delight. As we wandered through open grasslands and pockets of woodland, our thoughts centred on Proverbs 16:9:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
It is a verse that speaks to the tension many of us know so well. We make plans. We dream, prepare and map out the path we hope life will take. Yet so often our journey unfolds differently. While that can be unsettling, we were reminded that God’s plans are never careless or random. He faithfully guides our steps—even into places we would never have chosen ourselves—for our growth, our good, and ultimately His glory.
One of the joys of walking together is the conversations that naturally unfold. Along the trail, we shared our favourite birds and animals and the reasons they resonate with us. The answers ranged from kookaburras and rosellas to wedge-tailed eagles and wombats. As each person shared, it became about more than favourite wildlife. It offered a glimpse into one another’s personalities, what captures our imagination, and the qualities we admire. Above all, it reminded us of the incredible diversity, beauty and intricacy of God’s creation, each creature reflecting something of His creativity and care.
Unlike many hikes, our route wasn’t meticulously planned. Instead, we simply let the conversations guide our pace and direction. We wandered through gentle valleys before looping back to climb Burnt Stump Hill. Standing beside the hill’s namesake burnt stump, we paused to take in sweeping views across Canberra’s northern suburbs. It was the perfect place to stop, breathe deeply and appreciate both the landscape before us and the journey we’d shared.
A gentle descent brought us back to the car park, rounding out a morning that was never about ticking off kilometres or conquering a challenging trail. It was about slowing down. Walking alongside one another. Sharing the joys and struggles of life. Listening, encouraging, and allowing space for God to meet us in the ordinary.
It was a simple walk, close to home, yet a powerful reminder that some of life’s richest moments aren’t found in extraordinary destinations—they’re found in faithful steps, meaningful conversations, and the quiet confidence that the Lord is establishing our path.
