Going For a Walk

Through the years, Kim and I have enjoyed walking through the neighborhoods in which we have lived. As we do, we are able to see things we would miss when driving through.  After all, when one is driving they easily miss the small things around them—e.g., what people have planted in their flowerbeds, the small changes they have made to their home, the new sidewalk that was recently laid, etc.  When driving we often miss the details in front of us. Walking through a neighborhood gives to us a completely different perspective. (And having a dog to walk causes us to walk through our neighborhood a lot!) 

And it’s not just about the homes and lawns and gardens, it’s even more so about the neighbors—i.e., the people who live in the houses we pass each day. When we drive through, we might give a friendly wave through the car window, but we have no opportunity to talk, learn about each other, and find out what might be taking place in one another’s lives. When we walk, we can actually stop and talk and get to know one another. By doing so, we gain a new perspective on that person who lives across the street or down the road or right next door. They are no longer just “the guy in the yellow house” or “the woman with the little dog.” Now they have a name, a life situation, and often a need for which we can pray. 

I’m afraid that too often we pass through our days without taking note of the people around us. We’re too busy, moving too quickly, to get to know that person who lives right next door. We’re so focused on getting in and out of the gym or library or even church that we fail to take the time to get to know the names of people around us, no less who they are and what’s taking place in their lives. Thus, we miss opportunities to bless them and be blessed by them. We miss the opportunities to pray for someone, to meet someone’s need, to encourage and be encouraged. 

One day the religious leaders asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” After all, they knew the commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) In response, Jesus told the story that we call “The Good Samaritan.” The point of Jesus’ story was simply this: The neighbor we are to love is whomever we might come across as we walk life’s pathway.  That means we are to love and serve that person who lives across the street, the one might we meet in the gym, supermarket, or library, or the man or woman or child who worships next to us. But that might mean slowing down a bit and taking time—time to talk, to listen, to pray. It might mean walking instead of driving! 

Today I want us to hear the commandment once again, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  As we do, let’s be on the lookout for the “neighbor” God might just bring our way. 

Have a great day…and, why not go for a walk! 

- Pastor Tim Harris