Most days I slip out the back door of our home in the very early morning to walk, usually at the first glow of dawn, before the house is awake. I leave the domestic hum of our fridge and espresso machine to be immersed instead by a buzzy chorus of birdsong, the rhythm of my feet on the pavement, my neighbours’ automatic sprinklers. I usually have to push myself to get out there, honestly. I love the paths around our neighbourhood but I also really like the comfort of my couch and another cup of coffee. Walking isn’t the most efficient form of exercise, and it’s always tempting to just burn a few calories quickly with a more intense indoor workout later in the day. Walking is a long-form kind of discipline.
The thing that gets me out there, over and over, is God. The beauty of his creation, yes - His ever-changing art on display moves me. Thomas Merton said, “No writing on the solitary, meditative dimensions of life can say anything that has not already been said better by the wind in the pine trees.” I know this to be true. But beyond the beauty, and the experience, it’s God himself. I go to meet with Him. I’m in it for His presence. I pray, question, or just move in silence hoping he’ll speak. Most of our walks aren’t wildly transcendent, but sometimes they truly are - so I continue to show up.
This morning I’m thinking about how every sunrise is a daily resurrection. Every morning, I watch light overtake the dark. Life overpowers death. And the skies this summer haven’t been subtle about it. They shout that his mercies are new, the whole earth full of glory. Last week in our services we all read Jesus’ words in John 11; “I am the resurrection and the life.” I need that daily reminder, almost embarrassingly, that the truest thing about me is that Jesus is my life. Jesus is resurrecting me, and us. Right here in suburban Langley, and wherever you are. Not just one day, but today. I’ll keep cultivating this morning habit because it’s a daily practice of resurrection.
Our mission as a church is to live as ‘God’s growing family practicing kingdom life for the renewal of our city.’ To live as family is complicated and costly, disappointing and messy. To practice the ways of Jesus, the things that keep us close to him and deeply rooted in community, is to sacrifice things we like for things we value more. We’re making decisions about how we spend our days and energy and stuff all the time. If I get overwhelmed with the decisions and the pressures, I’ll assume you do too. I want to remind you that every day is a fresh resurrection. Today’s a new day. While we live in the shadow of death, he is our life.
So - What are you doing these days to stay close to him, close to life-giving community? Your practices and habits might look different than mine, but summer is a great time to consider what they actually are. What are you holding on to, letting go of? How are you practicing resurrection and choosing life? (Hot tip: Ask him to help you out with it - he’s the best at that.)
We love you, and we are praying for you!
Cheering you on,
Angela
