I’VE RUN THE SAME TRAILS through Henry Cowell State Park so many times that I think I could run them blind-folded. Of course, that would not be a good thing to do for a number of reasons! For example; tripping over twisted roots, or breaking an ankle in one of the various-sized varmint holes, and maybe most importantly, I would miss the ever-changing scenery that each new run brings.
It never ceases to amaze me that every time I run through the Park I see something new. I have noticed new trees that have fallen in the last storm and new blooms upon bushes or flowers. I have witnessed new little creatures scurrying across the path in front of me. I meet new runners and walkers, as well as cross the path of old friends. It is never the same old path, there is always something new to encounter, but only if I keep my eyes open and my mind alert.
This week we embark upon a well-worn path, a path that goes by the name of the Passion Week. It begins with Palm Sunday and ends with the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and along the way we encounter, the teachings, temple-clearings, miracles, meals, prayers, and crucifixion of our Lord. It is a path that so many of have traveled so many times we could do it with our eyes shut. Please don’t!
I encourage you to travel this journey with your eyes, mind, and heart wide-open. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep you alert along the path this week. Train your eyes to look for new reality, the deeper truth, the greater love. Take time, real time, to enjoy the journey, with all it joys and all its sorrows, I guarantee you, that if you take the time to walk these paths this week seeking to be fully aware, the celebration at the end of the path will be that much greater.
Will you join me in the journey?