I walk a bit cockeyed. A weird-shaped hip socket and a couple surgeries will do that to you.
I am also almost always in a hurry. Even before having a kid (which magically makes you late for everything), I rushed everywhere, trying to save time and be more efficient. I walk like I’m on a mission.
Which is not kind to a wonky hip. A default pace of just under a jog wears out the ol’ shocks something awful. I get stiff and achy, tight and tired. By the end of the day, my gait is less self-assured CEO and more saddlesore cowboy.
But if I take my time, I don’t lock up, get exhausted, or lean so far to one side I could be mistaken for a pirate. If I slow down, I stay upright and flexible, so I can actually do more than when I hurry.
The key is choosing a peaceful pace.
Which, of course, is Jesus’ pace.
Jesus walked everywhere but was never in a hurry. Not physically, not spiritually. He exemplified “the unforced rhythms of grace,” a pace of life that fully trusts God to take care of what we try so hard to control by rushing, over-committing, and worrying.
When we choose to walk at the easy pace set by Jesus, we’re set free. We become strong yet flexible, productive yet peaceful―and we can do so much more than we imagine.
“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” [Matt 11:28-30 MSG]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀