But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. – Galatians 1:15-17

Take A Walk

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard it said, or have said it myself…  When what you’re doing hits a snag and the next step isn’t coming to you, its time to walk away and come back to it later.

I had a friend once who used to call it, ‘taking his wrench for a walk.’  Ed was a mechanic.  He and I worked in a facility that, well, lets just say it required some mighty big wrenches.  His favorite wrench was about four feet long; quite often when things wouldn’t turn the way he wanted them to turn, he’d take his wrench for a walk.

Nine times out of ten, the solution to his problem would come to him during his walk, or upon his return, a new perspective would allow him to more easily deal with the problem.  And sometimes, a walk would bring him in contact with someone who would lend a hand or give some helpful advice.

Life can be a lot like a mechanical problem.  Sometimes you just have to walk away.  Walk away with the intent to return, but wait for a fresh perspective.  Time away, rest, or a little help may be just what you need to see that problem differently.  .

Invitation to pray: Light of the World, I’ve hit a snag a time or two.  The answers don’t come; the solution isn’t in front of me.  May I take time out and walk with you?  Maybe I just need time away; maybe I need rest.  Maybe the answer will hit me on my way back.  I just need to take my wrench for a walk.  Enlighten me, Jesus.  Amen.