EDITOR'S NOTE: In October 2021 I began a new venture writing a newspaper column titled "Finding Faith" for the Forum Communications Co. network of newspapers and websites. I was asked to contribute to the company's ongoing conversation about faith, lending a Lutheran and fairly ecumenical approach to the discussion. The column was published in several of the company's papers and websites, including The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. This column originally appeared as a "Finding Faith" column on Sept. 15, 2023.
By The Rev. Devlyn Brooks
I try to walk our two big dogs each night, to give them and myself exercise, but also to get away from the toils of the day for just a little bit.
Ironically, I destroy the effort because I religiously take along my phone and wireless earbuds so that I can either make phone calls to family or parishioners, or listen to an audiobook on the walk. Why not take advantage of the “down time,” right?
Until the other night when my phone was dead from a long day of use, and I left it behind on that night’s walk. What a revelation it was!
Admission: For the first 20 minutes, I was annoyed at my perceived lack of productivity. After all, there were phone calls to make!
But slowly and subtly, peace took over my heart and mind.
I noticed more natural sound: the wind rustling leaves, a chipmunk’s chattering, a bird song. Sure, there was also traffic noise too, but even that blended into the evening’s symphony.
I found myself paying more attention: the breeze on my face; the glorious, blazing orange autumnal sunset. It was a beautiful fall evening, high 60s and lots of open sky.
All of it was a balm for a soul tattered by the ravages of daily life here in this world. I noticed an appreciation for the walk versus it feeling like a task.
The lesson: Drink it in, all of creation. The natural world interfacing with our man made world. Some of it needs work, as we know; but a lot of it is good as God tells us so in the Book of Genesis. “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)
We rush past this understanding in our push to do more, fit more into each day. I, for one, am guilty by donning my headphones every night on my walks with the dogs. The calls generally can wait, as much else in our lives can. … Just enjoy the walk, God tells me, though I don’t listen.
God calls us to live in the moment. After all, this moment is really all that we are promised. Forcing ourselves to be present helps alleviate dwelling over the past, and also helps relieve anxiety about the future. … Which is where God wants us to live our lives: Trusting in the moment.
I pray that the lesson of the dead phone battery sticks with me. I pray that you too experience a similar moment that allows you to be fully alive in the present.
God’s creation is good; let’s try to be present -- and aware -- enough to enjoy it. Amen.
Devlyn Brooks is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and serves Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn. He also works for Forum Communications Co. He can be reached at devlynbrooks@gmail.com or comments and story ideas.
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