What started out as motivation to begin a walking program has turned into a passionate pandemic project. When self-isolation began in mid-March, a self-proclaimed extrovert like me faced the prospects of feeling cut off from family and friends and the rest of the world.
To give myself some reason and purpose for walking I decided to take daily pictures in my neighbourhood. As I began posting them on my Facebook page, I started to develop a theme for each day. Now, each posting includes a theme, a reflection, a suitable scripture passage and pictures.
With so much negativity and fear in our world, my daily posts have offered an opportunity to focus on some of the positive things in society.
On one occasion I posted pictures of reflections in one of Regina’s many parks. I wrote, “As we move closer to summer the trees are fully in leaf and the birds continue to provide music. A sunny, calm walk provided many opportunities for reflections and reflection.
“As I walked, I pondered. How to be an advocate for peace in the world brimming with conflict? How to be passionate in an apathetic world? How to be truly inclusive in a world of exclusivity? How to walk in solidarity with the underprivileged when clearly I am a privileged person? How to walk in faith and confidence when clearly there is reason for fear?”
I asked people to consider reflecting on some of those questions. I concluded by saying that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you (Phillippians. 4:8–9) I’m sure Paul wrote those words for us in 2020!
On a day early in May I posted, “Today was a search for pathways. Our path refers to the way we live and what we decide to do with our limited time on Earth. Where will the path lead? Which path should I take? What will I find at the end of the path?
One of my favourite poets is Robert Frost and so I quote from The Road Not Taken in which Frost says: “ Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — / I took the one less travelled by, / And that has made all the difference.”
And for me it has!
Scripture has a lot to say about paths and pathways. One of my favourite verses is from Psalm 25:4. Make me to know your ways O Lord; teach me your paths.
What is your pathway?
My walking does not end here. A friend has challenged me to continue by “walking through the alphabet.” Every day, the theme began with a letter of the alphabet (I began with Amazing grace). Only when I get to the end will I determine what’s next!—Rev. Darlene Harrison
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