I love cities because they lend themselves to walking.  And getting the morning basics like eggs and milk never requires a car ride, but a simple walk across the street in flip flops.  I was reminded of that some time ago when I was at Grand Rapids looking for a good cup of coffee.  The closest cup was at a mall located across the expressway, and there seemed to be no way to get there by foot.  So my wife and I played a risky game, bobbing and weaving across a highway to satisfy a serious coffee “jones”.

Walking can be a meditative practice, too.  It helps me to pray in “real time”.  And in the city (or even during a good hike north of the city) it can also become a multi sensory prayer experience.

When I step out of my apartment building I’m greeted by the usual heavy…