Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have run and/or walked almost every day. Many days, I have run on my own. Other days, I have walked with Shannon and/or Zach. I get some of my best thinking done when I am running on my own (it is when a lot of the ideas for these posts have been born!). I have also enjoyed the quality and quantity time with Shannon and Zach as well as the conversations that we have shared along the way. Another blessing has been that almost every day I run into at least one person or family I know (most days, we run into multiple people - have I mentioned how much I love people!).
The route we take includes sidewalks, streets and the BeltLine. With very few exceptions, everyone has seemed so happy. One of the most amazing parts of the experience has been how considerate all of the runners, walkers and bikers have been. People are very aware of their surroundings and work hard to leave adequate space to keep everyone at a safe distance. Sometimes there is a bit of a dance as runners/walkers approach from opposite directions, each trying to give way to the other. A lot of, smiles, head nods and “thank yous” as we pass along the way. And, there have been SO many awesome dogs out with their owners! A lot of pandemic puppies! The dogs and puppies are ALWAYS smiling!
There is also tremendous diversity among those who utilize the BeltLine. Some of the diversity is evident – there are young and old, multiple races and multiple ethnicities. While not as visually evident, statistically, there is a pretty broad range socio-economically as well as politically (there is one woman who I see every few days who wears a visor of a particular political candidate!).
We can be unique and still be unified.
Despite any outward or inward differences, it is clear that the people who I encounter have a lot in common. They enjoy being outdoors (or at least know that it is good for them). They are trying to get fit or stay fit. They are tired of being cooped up at home! As I wrote above, they are considerate and friendly. Most everyone is wearing similar types of clothes – attire suitable for exercise/physical activity that is comfortable and athletic.
There is a comradery among those on the BeltLine. Each person is at the same time a unique individual and also part of something that is bigger than any one of them alone.
Paul talks about the church as the Body of Christ. He uses the metaphor of the human body to remind us that each part is uniquely gifted for a specific purpose, yet no part can exist on its own.
“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Romans 12:4-5, 9-18