Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.  

“Let’s take a walk.”

I will admit, these times of isolation are tough. For a person that has worked from home for several years, the social interaction of meeting friends for dinner, seeing live music, taking vacations, and running errands have become important factors in keeping me sane. And as I look at all the cancelled events on my calendar, it becomes harder and harder to stay motivated, be positive, and have faith that relief is coming soon.

So, it is in these 4 words that I find hope. Whether spoken by my wife, my son, or my daughter, these 4 words give me a break from the negativity, the boredom, and the solidarity this new world has created. These 4 words mean it is time to harness up the dogs, grab their leashes, and get outside. These 4 words mean it is time to enjoy the sunshine, breathe in that mountain air, and get the body moving. And these 4 words mean it is time to let go, enjoy the family God has blessed me with, and forget about the worries that are occupying my idle time.

“Let’s take a walk.”

In these times of isolation, Jesus is encouraging me to take many walks. Sometimes, he is just asking me to take his hand, be present in the stillness, and be open to what he wants to show me. Sometimes, he is asking me to reach out to a friend, find out how they are doing, and “walk” with them through the virtual means available. And sometimes, he is asking me to pray, read the bible, and find encouraging messages that strengthen my walk. You see, there are many things that have been taken away from me, but as I take these walks, I am reassured that the path is still there, the mission is still clear, and Jesus still loves me.

Friends, these times are difficult, and we weren’t built to be separated from one another. But as I hear these 4 words, I am reminded that the “walk” has not ended. Our path is still clear, and the road must be traveled. We still have a mission, and his proclamations must be heard. And no matter what this world wants to take away from us, we can still “walk” and find refuge in his everlasting arms.

If the current circumstances are getting you down, if you feel the fears rising inside you, or if you feel the isolation allowing depression to set in, I hope you find encouragement in this message. And if you need someone to listen, if you need someone to laugh, or if you need someone to care, reach out and remember these 4 words. It may be virtual, and it may come with distance, but it will be filled with God’s grace, God’s love, and God’s understanding!

“Let’s take a walk.”