“Making New Tracks”

         It is difficult to make new tracks in the snow. I found that out this season as I strapped on my cross-country skis to enjoy the winter wonderland experienced in our mountains not too long ago. It was very slow going as I tried to make my way across the newly fallen snow. It required a great deal of pushing and pulling and did not have much to offer in terms of that sweet ski “slide” I am accustomed to from other snow days. It was hard work and I was glad when I turned to make my way back to the parking lot, able to glide along the tracks I had created on my way out.

         The difficulty in making new tracks is not only true for cross-country skiing. It’s true as well for snowshoeing and hiking; it’s easier to walk a path already cut. Just look at all the ruts and paths made in the pastures by cows and horses. The ease in walking the well-worn trail is also true for organizations, groups, and communities of faith. Most of the church folk I meet want to stay on the paths that have already been tested, the tracks already put down. And we’ve been doing that a long time; and it’s worked for a long time.

         It just doesn’t work that way anymore.

         Communities of faith must change or they will die. I’ve heard that for decades, read the predictions of church closings while I was in seminary. Now, thirty-five years later, I’m seeing those predictions coming true all across the country. And I am now convinced that the only churches that will survive and continue to provide spiritual care and direction, offer guidance and community to members of their gatherings are those willing to make new tracks, those willing to let go of the way it’s always been done and try new ways, even walk across new fields.

         This doesn’t mean, of course, that we throw out all our traditions, get rid of any semblance of how we’ve worked and worshipped in the past; but it does mean we have to recognize what it is to which we cling so tightly and decide if our clinging and the paths we have taken have become our idols. It does mean we have to be willing to set aside our need for comfort and familiarity and allow for new tracks to be made.

         It’s not easy and I encourage anyone starting out on new tracks to go slowly and walk wisely. Stop from time to time to catch your breath, to notice the beauty of the new things you’re seeing. Take nourishment, pay attention to what is around you, and be grateful. The truth is that no matter where your new tracks take you or how many times you have to stop and start again, it’s beautiful once you go off the beaten path and it is well worth the work. Your muscles may be sore and you may miss the ease of the sweet ski slide; but in the end, you’ll be glad you tried it a new way and the bonus: you’ll be making tracks for someone else coming behind you.

You are the light of the world!

Yours,

Lynne