By Glenn Koster
Walking through Life
This past weekend was a bit different. We are still in February. Many might have been expecting snow. Alas, the rains came down (and the floods almost came up). In fact, it rained so hard and so long that this walker did not get any outdoor walking in. Then came the Valentine’s Day celebrations. There were people everywhere you went.
By now you are probably wondering what this all has to do with “Walking Through Life”? Actually, this past weekend was full of lessons for anyone walking through life—and not just walkers.
One thing that we were reminded of is that often life will through unexpected diversions our way—things we are not expecting that force us to change our plans. Anyone who walks outdoors can attest to this becoming a reality nearly every day, especially with all the street repairs currently happening in Hutchinson and Reno County. We just alter our path a bit and move on.
But there is one thing that we must always remember. Many inches of rain are necessary for the grass to grow and the flowers to bloom in the spring. The streets will be repaired and driving around town will be improved. Inconveniences eventually lead to improvements. When inconveniences hit your life, find away around them, and then look how they might be leading to improvements in your life.
The other thing that happened on Saturday was the number of people out and about. When out in throngs of people, many people just keep to themselves. This should never be! Masses of people provide opportunities to have conversations with people you may have never met (and may never see again). As one who walks, I experience these opportunities more often than most because whenever I encounter someone on the street, I will say hello and ask them how their day is going. Many people stop and talk—even if it is only for a few minutes. Connections build our hope in one another.
The final observation from this one walking through life was the amount of love shown on Saturday. Normally, we think of Valentine’s Day as a day for couples. What I observed Saturday is what I choose to call my first visible “Family Valentine’s Day.” Several of my friends admitted that they were celebrating Valentine’s Day with everyone they loved—including their children. What a joy it was to see families out and about sharing love with each other!
So, spring has not yet arrived (thanks to Punxsutawney Phil). Roses have not yet bloomed. However, they are available in many places throughout our community—even places you can walk to. Nevertheless, may we enjoy this time as an opportunity to build community, show love, and enjoy God’s world as it begins once again to bloom.
Glenn Koster is a former reporter, a retired pastor, and a retired IT professional who spends most of his time now walking and working with various Reno County non-profits. He can be reached at Glenn.Koster@gmail.com or by phone at 620-960-4492.