Have you ever taken a walking talk?

I love wilderness camping and hiking.  I’ve had the fortune to hike in some of the most beautiful and exotic places in the world. 

I have walked the Grand Canyon, explored the rustic beauty of the high planes in New Mexico.  

I have been in the rain forest of Nicaragua and climbed the hills of Haiti. 

I have walked the beaches of Normandy and taken in the scenic lushness of the black forest in Germany. 

I have been to the top of Masada in Israel, and taken the long foot path back down to the Dead Sea. 

I have followed the footsteps of Jesus in Bethsaida and through the Rabbi’s tunnel at the foot of the old temple wall in Jerusalem.  However, what makes these pathways something special goes beyond just what you see.  For me, it’s who I am traveling with on these occasions, and especially the conversations along the way!

I have enjoyed some of the most significant conversations while walking, hiking and exploring nature with my family and friends.   It has been a time of reflection in the sharing of life stories through real friendships. I don’t know if you can have a real friendship, the type of which I speak, without exchanges like “talking walks.”  

We can sort out our questions, share burdens, laugh and cry at life – our lives.  And, we can learn how to walk.

There is something distinctively relational about taking a journey on foot – walking, talking, taking in the sights and surroundings.  

There is a unique conversation that takes place when you journey on foot like this with another person.  “Walking talk” is its own sort of therapy where deep listening and deep hearing becomes possible.  It’s not magic, but it is an environment – an intentional micro climate - that is very human and yet very Divine, very intimate, yet protected.  It’s a moment of safety where you can explore areas of your life that may even have been unknown or unreachable in another setting.

Have you ever imagined traveling with Jesus like this?  I have.  Imagined taking “talking walks” with the rabbi from Nazareth -  who happened to be the Son of God.  I envy the disciples; they spent three years of a talking walks with Jesus.  

Remember, everywhere Jesus traveled, was by foot.  Most of it was with the disciples right by his side.  Many of his teachings came during these talking walks.  Many of the questions and concerns of the disciples where given voice during these long walks.  They kicked up conversation and dust along the way. 

Wouldn’t you love to have a walking

talk like this with Jesus?  Think of the topics, the laughter, and the wonder in hearing His words.  And, at last, you could ask Him the questions you’ve longed to have answered.  But like any walk with a friend, you may have a few questions come back in your direction too!

This Sunday we will step on the path to Jerusalem with Jesus as we begin a new Lenten sermon series: “Talking the walk with Jesus.”   I encourage you to join us at Markham Woods this Lent for your own personal talking walk with the one who not only changed the world, but continues to change the hearts and lives of people like you and me!