There’s no doubt that we are in a teachable moment in history.

Most of us didn’t see a global pandemic coming, obviously.

I imagine that your life was humming along in a fairly predictable rhythm, like mine was, and then unexpectedly one thing after another began to change. I wrote about these seasons of roadblocks and detours several years ago -Where once we knew the roadmap, suddenly the path forward looks very different.

Unprecedented Times

The unexpected and sudden disruption to the course we were on is unprecedented and presents a unique opportunity. Yes, there is great suffering; I acknowledge that for sure. But disruption, suffering, uncertainty, loss, and change are all pathways to growth and greater human flourishing if we allow them to be.

Because this is such a teachable time in history, I find myself with a deep longing to be as present to this moment as possible, to glean from it all I can, to allow it do to its deepest work in me. This moment has my attention- my ears are tuned in. I’m listening, watching for what the Spirit is saying and doing in me, and the world around me. I think, I hope, this time has the attention of many people.

Practices and Rhythms

I know everyone has to find their own way through these weeks and months, so I’m not here to tell anyone how to navigate these waters. But I can share that for me, walking outside is a big part of how I stay present to this moment in time, but ultimately, it’s also how I stay present to the Presence.

Yes, that’s right- walking. I love to walk, that’s nothing new. But now the desire to walk comes to me like an invitation that if I were to ignore would be a disservice to my own soul. Nearly every morning, I get my jacket and walking shoes on, open the front door to my house and head out down the sidewalk.

Some days I walk 2 miles, somedays 8. I usually walk in the morning as it helps me to stay centered and present to this moment the rest of the day. Sometimes I listen to scripture, music, or a podcast that inspires me, but many times I walk with nothing but the thoughts circulating through my heart and mind.

Present to the Presence

Earlier this week I read an excerpt from Henri Nouwen about prayer, which describes well what I experience through walking:

Although it is important and even indispensable for our spiritual lives to set apart time for God and God alone, our prayer can only become unceasing prayer when all of our thoughts- beautiful or ugly, high or low, proud or shameful, sorrowful or joyful- can be thought present to the one who dwells in us and surrounds us.

Our unceasing thinking is converted into unceasing prayer, shifting us from a self-centered monologue to a God-centered dialogue. To do this, we convert our thoughts into a conversation. The main question then is not so much about what we think, but to whom we present our thoughts. (emphasis added)

You most likely have your own ways of keeping your eyes, ears, and soul open to glean what you can from this time in history. I’d love to hear what that is for you- please leave a comment!

But I also encourage you to consider going on a walk or two and seeing what happens. Bring your thoughts to the Presence. Let the walking expand your interior space and let it be a way of listening and seeing and absorbing all you can during this time.

And leave a comment to share your experience as well, even if it’s different than you thought it would be.

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Here are some random pictures from recent walks: