The walk between the business and the shopping centre is less than 15 minutes, no matter what path one takes. From our building, there is an unobstructed line of sight that makes it seem even closer. The fact that there are alternatives opens me up to the myth that there is nothing that I cannot avoid. The reality is that there is at least one street to cross. With this fact comes at least one stop light. There is no route that does not involve this reality.
Last night’s walk included a stop at an outdoor ping-pong table. This, along with swings, a life-size abacus, and glowing teeter-totters, creates a unique public walkway. With each step, new lesson reminders arrived with a gentle breeze.
My path will include at least one stoplight, no matter how much freedom I think I have. Metaphorically, this point of wisdom applies to every part of my life. One writer reminds me that “Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it – no matter what. [Even] The High Priest who cried out in pain.” (Hebrews 4.13). Looking forward, my path is a straight line of my choosing. There will be a stop ahead of me; although it may not be quite in focus and I might struggle to see it in my way, it will catch me in its net.
I have more freedom than I realise. I have counted at least five different options for getting from my starting point to home. I can think of at least two more as I reflect on my options with the benefit of a night’s sleep. There is no right or wrong within my choices, yet there are the trade-offs of time, distance, and strain. The day ahead presents the same blank piece of canvas. There are choices to be made, moments to live, and steps to be taken.
Last night’s path was filled with thankfulness and reflections. Looking forward, I want to bring care, kindness, and compassion to each moment and step that I take.
