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Topic: Before and After (05/14/09)
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TITLE: Half Way to Emmaus | Previous Challenge Entry
By Nancy Kaye
05/18/09 -
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It was the 5th time I’ve entered the 4-mile walk/run race in the Village. I’m the only female running the 4 miles. Before the race I’m wondering if I will still be able to do it. My “worry” mantras have been, “I am in my soul; I trust in God; In You I live and move and have my being.” It’s the living and moving part I rely on today. Since the other racers are walkers I find myself running alone and as I move into a rhythm it becomes a meditation. Bible scholars tell us that Emmaus was 7-8 miles from Jerusalem. I began to think of this run as half way to Emmaus. The disciples walked the road with Jesus talking about the events of the times but didn’t recognize him until he broke bread with them. How would he show himself to me?
This is the weekend that Rachel’s Vineyard is retreating in Camp Brotherhood for their post abortion-healing ministry. Every step, every breath is offered for their intentions.
I started to think of “feet” with walking to Emmaus. Leah comes to mind. In her physical therapy profession she has an affinity for feet and describes balance for the skeletal system. If a big toe is out of alignment, it can cause the knee, hip, back, upper spine, and neck to be off balance. It’s a good reminder for me of how one part affects the other and how interconnected we are as the Body of Christ. When Leah prays with others, she likes to sit on the floor in front of the person and starts with their feet. I pray continued power of the Holy Spirit for Leah’s feet ministry. Then, I’m thinking of my new Nike Air Pegasus runners. I’ve had them a few months but haven’t run very far in them. The toe box looks a little narrower than my older ones. Yesterday I wore them most of the day. They have more “spring” so I’m wearing them today and wondering if my feet will survive without getting too hot or blistered. I pray for my feet and shoes, and also for all those who had a part in making my Nike shoes, and for those experiencing lay offs from the Nike Company which someone was talking about yesterday.
Mile three: Oh good, I’m half way to half way to Emmaus.
I’m singing, “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him, who brings good news”…from the song Our God Reigns. Mount Baker, our snow capped mountain of the Pacific Northwest, is visible as I come around the corner. The overcast sky reveals her white snowy mantle except for the very top, which is above the clouds. Yes, a lot like Jesus and those on the road to Emmaus. We walk step after step, some days one foot in front of the other, not knowing the outcome of our hopes, desires and prayers. There are clouds covering the objective, the fullness of the Kingdom yet the Holy Spirit draws us forward step by step, breath by breath.
Others come to mind. John’s feet have given him problems since he was born with a clubfoot, which his mother massaged over time. He has hammertoes and other foot problems, yet they have served him marvelously for 75 years. I used to say he had the worst feet, but then realized how they needed affirmation for the work already accomplished. . I pray for his feet too.
And Casey, Joan and Ed’s dog who has cancer. Joan is grieving. We will walk the road to Emmaus with her until Casey finishes her journey. I pray for Casey and Joan.
My fellow villagers cheer me as I cross the finish line. The honor and glory goes to God by whose breath has made this possible for me. After, I think, I may have run half way to Emmaus, but I think I saw Jesus many times and in many ways on the way, THE WAY.
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