Yesterday I went on a walk with a friend who had some things on her heart to process. She suggested a walk over meeting for coffee. Quickly into our time together I realized that this was going to be a “workout walk” not a leisurely stroll as we chatted. Multi-tasking was in store: heavy conversation and 40 minutes of speed-walking to knock ‘exercise’ off the day’s to-do list.
My friend is 6’4” and has a stride that is twice mine. As we hit the trail together she remarked that she will start slow but almost as soon as she said that, the pace unapologetically quickened. My friend casually mentioned that if we need to slow down, I should just let her know. I internally responded with a “not a chance” even as I was unsure I would be able to keep up both physically with her pace and emotionally with what she needed to process.
At the end of the time I had broken a sweat, been present for my friend and relieved that I had been able to lean into all the at the walk involved.
Heading into this time with Journey of Hope I have had a sense of apprehension. Not sure what is ahead; not sure I can keep up with the pace; not sure I can bring all of who I am to the journey.
Our first season on zoom brought several moments of reassurance and encouraging hope.
In his teaching, Jer said the statement: “Jesus immerses Himself with us at the pace of a walk.” That phrase: “at the pace of walk” has really stuck with me. In this season of Lent and holding the Ash Wednesday invitation to remember we are dust, the idea of Jesus joining me at my pace, in my brokenness, in my experience, has been comforting.
I hold this comfort while I also mull over the aspect of leadership that involves vulnerability and trust. I can be encouraged in thinking that Jesus won’t out-walk me and leave me in the dust. I can also expect and trust that Jesus will push the pace, increase my heart-rate, and take me to places on the journey that I couldn’t imagine.
The closing breath prayer that Osheta led us in was so fitting: “Prince of Peace, we will follow you.” We get to go on this journey. We get to travel together. We get to follow the Prince of Peace. What a gift.
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“Jesus won’t out-walk me.” Whoa! What a profound sentiment, my friend. What a beautiful truth that I needed this morning. Thank you for this vulnerable post and the opportunity to connect with Jesus at his pace.