Grab life by the handlebars. Ditch the car. Rediscover walking.

Below are some of my favorite quotes from Dan Burden's insightful talk.

America is out of sync with its values. John Steinbeck

(Canada too! I would add the 'local' church is out of sync with Jesus' value to love your neighbour, not too mention the idea that Jesus liked walking;)

If it weren't for the damn pedestrian there would be no traffic problem in Los Angeles.

The simple needs of automobiles are more easily understood and satisfied than the complex needs of cities. Jane Jacobs

(AND neighbourhoods for that matter!)

What is the first thing an infant wants to do and the last thing an older person wants to give up?

Society in general has jettisoned the idea of walkability and I think it's of vital importance that it be rediscovered. Sad to say but Christians are often the ones leading the way to get in the car and leave their local community!

Just this morning I was reading some thoughts from a 'small group guru' concerning the collapse of church based small groups.

Our society possesses a deep longing for a sense of community and connectedness. As we become more transient, this heart cry will grow, and the need for safe, connecting, and encouraging meetings will grow as well.

I quickly discovered that Americans like options. Many people, when given the option, chose to drive across town to a group with others of similar age, marital status, and background. Today I’m in a group whose members drive up to 15 miles to attend when they could easily join a group right in their own backyard. Thom Corrigan

A being is free only when it can determine and limit its activity. Karl Barth

While at times I think it is necessary to get in your car and drive to find meaning and connection with others, it ought to be an exception and not the norm. I regularly hear of churches who are 'loving their neighbour', but other than simply saying it (during a sermon, or in a church publication, or on a T-shirt!) they don't put very much tangible effort into helping people actually do it.

Even more rare is a church that encourages its people to find other Christ-followers in their local neighbourhood and work together with them for God's shalom.

Thankfully this is slowly changing.

And I'm glad to keep walking down that path...