Read Time: 3 minutes
I work from home, and sometimes I grow very restless. Sometimes I just want to get outside, and at other times I want to log off of work and have some creative time so that I can write, create items for my TpT store, etc. But I have found one thing that is really helping me, and considering so many of us are living different lives due to COVID, you might find this helpful.
Around 2 or 3pm every afternoon, I go for a walk and listen to an audiobook about the life of C.S. Lewis. This is my current focus, and honestly, I think I will stay with writings either about Lewis or by Lewis for the next few months (when listening to audiobooks). He inspires me. The book I am currently reading is by Oxford Don and Theologian Alister McGrath: C. S. Lewis-A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet. I knew that I would learn a lot, but I had no idea that I would be so inspired. Lewis faced so many obstacles, had to work so hard, dealt with financial struggle, the loss of friends, being overlooked for one academic post after another, and a host of other issues. Yet, he didn’t give up; he worked harder and harder and harder after every setback. He wanted to be a poet, but failed; yet he wrote poetically-flavored prose that has captured the minds and hearts of so many and will continue to do so for generations to come. God had a plan.
At times, I have even fought back tears listening to McGrath’s book. This is a good thing. My heart is stirred to not give up, to not quit praying, to not quit reading, to not quit dreaming, and to not quit writing. God has not put things in me, or you, by accident. He will make a way for all that is in our heart, unless it is not from him; in that case, he will put new desires in our heart (probably the best way to understand the famous phrase in Psalms 34:8). I don’t want to leave anything that God has put in me for him and for others on the table. Nothing wasted.
These are difficult times for so many. COVID has destroyed—or at least interrupted—people’s dreams, livelihoods, relationships, disciplines, and family rhythms. Intentionality is needed more than ever to maintain mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. For me, a walk a day keeps insanity away, especially with Lewis in my ear.
So besides my prayerful time in God’s Word most mornings (I do my best), my daily walks—right now with C.S. Lewis—is my daily peace. Now, sometimes I don’t do it because duty calls, or I would rather take my son with me to let him ride his bike. But all in all, I need this 30-45 minute walk. It makes my heart beat. It lifts my eyes above the ordinary grind. It gives my eyes and mind a break from staring at the computer (I work full-time in online education). It reminds me that while my present is full of so many blessings, more is ahead.
So what is your daily peace? Are you doing it? Are you prioritizing it? I hope so.
B.J. Condrey, Ph.D. 