Like most of KW, my neighbourhood has a lot of hills. I know that when I walk the dog it's downhill, uphill, downhill, big uphill, then a neutral homestretch. What's interesting is that it took me a long time to notice this pattern. I knew about the first uphill (when I start sweating, even in the middle of the winter) and I certainly knew about the second uphill climb because it hurts a bit. But one day, I was walking this route backwards and noticed those downhill sections for the first time.
You may wonder, how dense can you be? If there are uphill sections, there are downhill sections, obviously. But when I was going downhill, I didn't give it any thought. Those parts of the walk are long and gradual. They feel more like I am on a flat section and, I guess, I gave my level of fitness credit for why they didn't take much effort.
But when I reversed course, I could clearly see that the downhill sections were very much downhill. I felt them as they became long, slow, uphill climbs. And, as happens to those who preach, a spiritual illustration came to mind.
There are times when the effort to move forward is keenly felt. In fact, much of our life as a disciple of Christ requires intentional effort: we take up our cross and follow Him. It's a long obedience in the same direction... and much of that is a climb. (This is why it's so vital that we don't rely on our own strength, but learn to lean on His perfect strength in our weakness!) The beautiful thing about a climb, like hiking up a mountain, is that the effort always pays off in huge dividends.
More than that, though, my heart was reminded of how easy it is to coast and think that everything is fine... and we don't realize that we're on a decline, moving farther and farther away from a vital connection with God and His life-giving work in our lives. It's not until we turn around and see how far we've descended do we realize that something was lost. What hit me was just how subtly this happened as I walked. How much more easily can I lose track of my progress in the interior life?
I was reminded of this analogy as I studied Zephaniah 1. The people of Judah had lulled themselves into apathy and convinced themselves that everything was okay. I'm sure this didn't happen overnight; it was a slow fade, a gentle downhill section, barely noticed. But it cost them dearly.
The good news is (and we'll hear more about this as we continue through Zephaniah) that we can always check ourselves, change course, and fix our intention once again on our loving Creator who is already present and inviting us into His good plans and blessing.
It's something to think about the next time you're out for a walk.
Climbing with you,
Pastor Tracy
UPDATE: construction has BEGUN. leave yourself some extra time to get here on sunday!
You can also find us by driving through the new neighbourhood...
From Fischer-Hallman Road:
1. Turn onto Rosenberg Way (new roundabout near Food Basics plaza).
2. Turn RIGHT onto Forestwalk St.
3. Turn LEFT onto Bleams Rd.
4. Turn LEFT into Freedom's driveway.
THIS SUNDAY
SUNDAY, June 23 @ 10am
ON THAT DAY
Gather Together
Pastor Erin
Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!
10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+Church Online)