Walking

May 26- Snow Remnants

Still raining on what, so far, has been a miserable Memorial Day Weekend. It even snowed last night, and remnants of it are still on my son's car. According to the weatherman, this is the last "bad" day... we'll see.

We live on a ridge where the elevation tends to give us snow early, and it stays late in the season. So while we have elevation, there are also some walking opportunities, both on the roads, and through a trail network that we share with horses.

I frequently think of Micah 6:8 when it comes to "walking," because walking is not just a physical activity, it's also a metaphor for living life.

Micah 6:8 says:

He has showed you, O man, what is good. 

And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God.

Now, you don't have to be a Christian or a Jew (since this is an Old Testament passage) to appreciate the guidance this passage gives. There are plenty of religious leaders and religious-sounding people who do none of the above.

I like "threes"-- I can remember 3 things, and that's what this verse does-- it distills life down to 3 things.

1. Act Justly. There is enough inequity in the world, fueled by greed, power and self. Injustice seems to prevail in all manner of legal, social and economic forms. However, in our little corner of the world-- the world where you and I walk every day, we are able to extend justice-- to do the "right thing." We are called on to step away from our selfish interests and act justly-- to perform an unselfish act that.

2. Love Mercy. Not only are we called on to do the right thing. We are called on to go above and beyond that standard and extend mercy-- as a way of life. To "love" mercy is to suggest that we don't simply "appreciate" it, but that it characterizes how we walk through life. What does "mercy" look like? Among other things, it takes the form of extending understanding, patience and a general "letting go" when someone wrongs you. Think of the guy that cuts you off in your commute this week. Extend mercy instead of your finger. You'll feel better, and so will your blood pressure.

3. Walk humbly with your God.  I always think I know better, and I naturally want to set my own course, according to my own perspective and desires. I like the turn of this phrase. It describes and action as well as an attitude. It suggests we don't just walk this earth with family, friends and strangers, but also in orientation with God. And I don't know best-- therefore my "stride" through life should not be marked by a selfish, know-it-all attitude-- but by a humble gait that is easily correctable.

It's stopped raining, and the sun is actually peeking through at this very moment. I'm going out for a walk.

Amen.