Footmarks for September 2008

“Start Stepping Out for the Planet”

With the arrival of spring what do we want to do?  I like to get outside again, even more so after several weeks of rainy weather, and too much couch time following the Olympics. I don’t want to miss out on the multi-sensory experience of new life erupting around us. I want to smell the spring flowers and see their outrageous colours. I want to hear the flow of the Heathcote and the variety of birdsong in the trees. I want to feel the breeze and the warmth of the sun on my face, and the earth in my fingers. God graciously cares for us through the natural world and the gift of spring is to be embraced and celebrated with thanksgiving and joy. The best way to do this is to get out and amongst what is going on beyond our making.

I have another motive as well for getting closer to creation this spring. We are now less than six months from the start of the Walk for the Planet from Rakiura (Stewart Island) to Wellington. So September is the time to start preparing my body for this demanding Lenten journey. I will of course only be walking sections of the long route along SH 1. My goal is to walk at leat 100k of the nearly 1000k journey. But this is much more than my usual strolls around Somerfield, so I need to get myself in shape for the challenge.

The hope of the Walk for the Planet steering committee is that many people of all ages and stages of life will commit themselves to walking at least a section of the route. We also hope that some might be inspired to walk further. The walk begins on February 25. It will arrive in Christchurch around 27/28 March. Finishing in Wellington at Easter.

I encourage everyone to begin considering how far you could walk and over which period. You will be able to walk as many times and for whatever distances you choose. At whatever level you feel able to participate I encourage you to set challenging goals. Aim for something that will require you to push beyond your present limits. A Lenten walk should stretch us. Then make the most of the improving weather and begin your preparation. It’s never too early!

Let’s all put a greater spring in our step and show our commitment to this planet that God loves and calls us to love.

Mark