Walking our dog Charlie in Central Park on autumn mornings allows me to see beauty I would otherwise miss. It also allows me to “see” into deeper aspects of my own heart. Crunching under my feet the last few weeks have been acorns strewn by the hundreds on the ground: some on paved walks, others on hard soil, some in thick shrubs, and others in rich soil. For me, those acorns represented the hundreds of times I had heard the good news of Jesus preached, taught, and applied to my life. I also saw in them my heart’s reception of that truth in the cement, the hard and rich soil, and the shrubs. I am grateful that in God’s grace this news has rooted in my life, and I am also aware of the ways I still hear but don’t hear, see but don’t see. As Jesus said after telling his story of the seeds:
“Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand.”
We live in a city and culture that requires and encourages constant motion that blinds and deafens our spiritual senses. Charlie requires me to slow down and observe the world in ways that were common in Jesus’ day when the main mode of transportation was walking. I wouldn’t have ‘heard’ Jesus’ insight without walking and watching. Most of those reading this have had the acorns of the gospel pepper your life in various ways, but like me perhaps fewer have taken root then you care to admit. As one who knows too well a heart of hard soil and thickets, let me encourage you as you begin another week to make time to slow down and listen for the gospel. Jesus is near. He didn’t stop teaching after his ascension. Maybe start with a walk in a park.
Live@W83 Featuring Pianist Chelsea Guo
Bring a friend and join us for a spectacular evening of classical music featuring piano pieces by Robert and Clara Schumann, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff. The purpose of Live@W83 is to provide a beautiful concert experience with our Upper West Side neighbors.
Upcoming Events
- Oct 16 | Faith & Work 101 Class
- Oct 17 | Emotional Strength & Peace Group
- Oct 18 | 20s & 30s Group Game Night
- Oct 18 | Questioning Christianity Group
- Oct 19 | Reformed Theological Seminary Open House
- Oct 20 | Live@W83 featuring pianist Chelsea Guo
- Oct 25 | Prayer: Putting It Into Practice Class
- Oct 26 | Gender: Goodness in God’s Design Class
- Oct 26 | Network Talks: Homelessness and the Migrant Crisis in NYC
- Nov 10 | West Side Women: Pilates and Friendship Night
- Nov 12 | New at RWS
- Nov 16 | West Side Reads: Gentle and Lowly
