Rev. Jodie Flessner, superintendent of the Western Waters District, is walking to Annual Conference this year, and she’s learning how this practice teaches her to take a closer look at her community.
JODIE FLESSNER
Superintendent, Western Waters District
This year I decided to walk to Annual Conference. First, the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is not far from my house (about 14 miles), and the Traverse area has excellent trails. For the record, I’m not walking it all in one day, just a mile or two once a week. The idea was planted in my head when Joel Walther, Director of Conference Benefits, suggested last year that we calculate the miles to Annual Conference and walk that many miles before arriving. I thought, well, I could actually walk from my house to there — let’s try it! So, I started on March 14 and will arrive sometime in May. Currently, I’m about halfway there.
These walks have raised my awareness of my community in new and unique ways. I have lived here for almost six years and have been to district events in the area since the 1980s. But most of the time, I drive and miss the details while keeping my eyes on the road. I haven’t paused to take a closer look.
As I walk, I am witnessing middle school students interacting with classmates as they walk home, along with the dynamics that go with early teens. I watch wildlife returning to restored creeks. I overhear public transportation personnel gently and genuinely interacting with Traverse City’s housing-insecure population. I have stopped in at businesses for no reason but curiosity, and I’ve paid attention to the details of neighborhoods, to who lives where. And I am enjoying the beauty of the region’s historic structures, vistas, and, of course, the bay. Walking sets within us a different rhythm and pace.
During these walks, I have been reminded of how much of Jesus’ ministry and journey to the cross involved walking. Within this rhythm and pace, Jesus notices the people and places along the way. He sees future disciples and notices their gifts. He sees people that others choose not to see. People with troubled spirits and disturbed mental health. People who are physically wounded in all kinds of ways. Widows trusting all they own to God. He sees what’s in hearts and minds without people speaking.
I have found that by walking, I begin to get glimpses into what Jesus might see. I relax enough to notice and let God reveal to me what is happening so close to my home. The rest of the week, my workouts are times when I unplug, and I am hardly aware of those around me. Many of us really need that time to recharge. But being aware is also a gift. Is there a part of your community you know just by driving through? I would encourage you to take some time regularly to walk, take a stroll, and take notice of what is happening in your community. What does Jesus see? What neighbors might you get to know better? What is God calling you to be aware of?
Last Updated on April 28, 2025