Walk it Out

When you live in a big city full of small spaces, your feet must quickly adjust to a life of walking. A native Texan, I am not accustomed to walking and climbing; most things are flat, and if I need to go somewhere I’ll drive myself, thank you very much. Those traits don’t translate to this side of the pond, however, and walking has become a kind of constant companion of mine.

Feet.

At first, having to walk everywhere is an absolute nuisance and the cause of sore feet and legs. Eventually, though, the body becomes used to the idea and, as an added perk, might even drop a few pounds. Once you get past the nuisance phase, you appreciate all the unique opportunities walking presents.

I never fully understood what people meant when they said walking was a great way to pray. Prayer walking always sounded like a great thing to do, but I assumed my attention span was too short for it to work for me. Wrong again. If anything, having to walk everyone has given me the opportunity to pray even more throughout the day. Instead of always plugging in my iPod, I’ll tune-in with God. Whether it’s the people who are passing me, the class I’m headed for, or just telling Him how much I love Him…it’s such a great chance to spend time with Him! I should probably stop talking so much, though, and listen more…

Purple shoes and tiny dog. Win.

I do plug in my iPod sometimes, though. It makes long tube rides go by so much faster, and adds a little bounce to my step. Seriously, if you’ve never tried walking around a big city while listening to music…try it. Whether it’s Lenny Kravitz, Colbie Caillat, Ke$ha or Keith Urban it will change the way you move. Everything starts to seem just a little more exciting, more dramatic. I feel like it gives me a little boost of confidence, and I think it shows. The best is listening to praise music. As I walked home the other night “Our God” by Chris Tomlin came on. Walking down the streets of London, listening to those lyrics, I was overwhelmed by a sense of God’s power and love. It was such a marvelous moment.

Not all walking moments are great, however. Like any other thing in life there will be good and there will be bad. Today threw me something of a curve ball. As I was walking to class, I noticed a guy turn around and look my way. I assumed he was trying to find his way and was looking at the street sign or house numbers (he had sunglasses on, so I couldn’t tell for sure). It was one of those things you’re aware of in the peripheral sense, not giving it your full attention. A few steps later, however, he was by my side and asking me where I was from.

British Museum has it right.

I, still assuming he was looking for something, told him I was from the states but lived nearby. He then asked me how long I would be here. Weird. I think it was at this point that scenes of Liam Neeson in “Taken” started flashing through my mind. I said I was leaving in December, letting trepidation leak into my voice. After confirming that I was here studying, this guy (whose name I never actually learned) asked if I’d be interested in getting drinks sometime. He lived right by Harrods, he assured me, as if that would seal the deal. After making it clear I didn’t want his number, nor was I comfortable giving him mine, and that I really did need to get to class I walked away.

It occurred to me that if a Jake Gyllenhall-esque figure had tried the same thing, my response might have been different. But then I assured myself that Jake Gyllenhall would handle the whole thing much more smoothly, with more charm and less creepy. So, moral of the story: guys, don’t approach random girls on the street unless you are absolutely sure you can do so without coming off as a creep. Girls, don’t agree to go out with total strangers you meet on the street. Everyone, walking everywhere dramatically increases your chances of adding good stories to your repertoire.

So here’s a challenge: go walk. Pray, listen to music, look people in the eye, it doesn’t really matter what you do. There’s a reason God put us on this earth with feet, not cars. Give it a try and I think you’ll see what I mean. Happy trails!

Listen to the wise wall.