music & movement

Sometimes it’s just a lot of work--sitting in an office, waiting for Spring, mulling over the heavy work of racial reconciliation, walking against the wind, remembering hope, sorting through questions, believing in creative peace, doing things that don’t compute, making hard decisions, loving people that are hard to like, trusting that there is purpose in it all.

Last Sunday, Woody told us a story about his friend who likes to run. When his friend runs long distances, it is difficult work. Sometimes his legs hurt and his body aches and he wants to stop. When he runs while listening to music, however, the activity changes. He is inspired and energized by the music he hears; it changes the way he moves, the way he acts, the way he runs. Woody challenged us to be like his runner friend--to listen to the music from the next world to inspire our movement and actions in this one, to be both encouraged and humbled to move well, deliberately, and with purpose, despite the pain and difficulty we experience.

Sarah leaned over and said, “And it’s even better to run with friends!” Moving with friends, cushioned by the support of those who can cheer you on and hum the tunes that are difficult to remember when you have shin splints, often makes the difference.

This week, I am fed again by a loving community, a challenging neighborhood, and the promise of Spring. And, of course, a few words from a kindred spirit who helps me hear the music:

“The paradox of expectation indeed is that those who believe in tomorrow can better live today, that those who expect joy to come out of sadness can discover the beginnings of a new life in the center of the old, that those who look forward to the returning Lord can discover him already in their midst.” --Henri Nouwen, Out of Solitude