The Path

                                      Photo by Elliott Sheppard

This morning I am thinking about the photograph a friend shared.  Looking at the picture reminds me of the walking path I take for my (almost) daily exercise.  I have found the path to be a place for me to gain perspective, especially when I’m feeling pressed.  It provides me with a beautiful space to meditate and be renewed in my mind.  Today this photograph has prompted me to recall and reflect upon some of my experiences on the path.  In doing so, I stumbled upon some interesting insights and lessons just for me.

   

1. Some people on the path notice what I’m wearing.  One day a complete stranger excitedly struck up a conversation with me about the new quarterback who had been drafted by our local NFL team.  I was perplexed by his apparent confidence that I gave a flip about football.  Then it dawned on me that I was wearing my Tampa Bay Buccaneers visor.  Another time, a woman smiled and said, “I’m from Atlanta, too!”  That day, I was wearing a t-shirt with “Atlanta” splayed across the front.  Little did she know that I was a native Floridian and had only bought that t-shirt for myself as a souvenir. 

Lesson:  I need to be mindful of what I choose to wear…mentally, emotionally, and spiritually…because people notice, and they will draw conclusions based on what they see.

 

2.  There are people on the path who jog or sprint past me.  Others move at a pace that allows me to easily breeze past them.  Still others are walking in the opposite direction.  Some people are already on the path when I get there.  Others appear, all fresh-faced and energetic, after I have been walking for a while.  People on the path vary in their entry points, starting times, direction, speed, and distance traveled. 

Lesson:  My part is not to compare or compete, but to complete the path that is laid out for me, guided by God’s Spirit, day by day.

3.  Some people on the path cause me to break my stride, like the man who was lost and needed directions to the grocery store or the elderly couple who wanted me to meet their dog, Fanny.  Then there was the woman who cautioned me, pointing out the very large alligator that was gliding across the lake in the direction I was walking.  Sometimes I want desperately to tune everybody out and just walk, but I realize it is the right thing to stop and connect with others or to help.  And sometimes I am the one who needs to be helped. 

Lesson:  Some encounters may feel like a distraction, but they may actually be for my instruction.  Sometimes my experience supplies me with wisdom and grace that can benefit others, and sometimes—if I take the time to stop and listen—the experience of others may supply wisdom and grace that is of great benefit to me.

 

4.  Typically, I try to walk between four and five miles on the path, but a few days ago I purposed to walk at least seven miles.  Most people walk around a part of the path called The Boardwalk about two or three times.  I wondered if people would think I was crazy for walking around it six times.  Then I reminded myself that reaching for a new goal might require that I look a bit crazy to some folks.  At the end of the fifth mile, I wondered if I had enough “juice” to continue.  But, suddenly clouds blocked the sun, and a gentle breeze began to blow, as if to encourage me.  As I finished the seventh mile, I marveled at how strong I felt.  I was so happy that I had made the decision to go further.    

Lesson:  When I stretch myself by faith, God’s grace, like a gentle breeze, encompasses me and encourages me to endure.  In His faithfulness, He refreshes me just when I need it most, so that I can go further.   

5.  One day I noticed that someone had written encouraging messages in bright, colorful chalk about every 20 feet along part of the path.  Some of the messages were:  “You rock,”  “Life is good,”  “Enjoy the view” (with an arrow pointing toward the lake), and “Mary, I love you.  Will you marry me?” (in my imagination J).  Some people on the path trod right over these messages without ever looking down.  I, on the other hand, took time to carefully read each one.  I smiled as I imagined the messages were intended expressly for me. 

Lesson:  I will look for the signs of God’s favor, goodness, and grace…tokens of His love for me...each day.  Moreover, I will be sure to leave such signs to encourage others on the path who just may be following in my footsteps.