We are on the road a lot these days. Always in motion visiting family and friends. But being in motion, moving around, is much more than just travelling, it is a mindset.

We often tend to do what is familiar and we develop habits. The word habit is closely related to habitat. Being stationary and always following the same routine makes life easy on the one side, but it can be dull and lead to stagnation.

Our body, mind and soul need movement, to think in new ways and open up to deep feelings (emotions), a yearning as it is described by some of us looking for something more.

Faith in motion

Jesus was constantly in motion during his ministry. We easily read over those short pieces of information. “When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.” (Luke 7:1; NIV) Another example is: “After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.” (Luke 8:1; NIV)

He went to places where the Jews lived, but also Roman settlements, and to neighbouring communities like the Samaritans, or beyond the Jordan river. The same is true for the Apostle Paul and many others who travelled all over the Roman Empire to spread the Good News.

These are indicators that Christianity from the very beginning was a faith in motion. The first Christians were often referred to as “followers of the Way” and the Christian faith as “the Way”.

Later, in the Middle Ages, many Christians went on pilgrimages, not only to visit places that were considered religiously significant, but to contemplate internally, to learn more about the faith and to meet other believers. Faith may be personal, but it is never private. Our faith longs to be shared and inspired by others.

There might be more

When we are always in the same place, where everybody knows us, our room, our parish or even country, doing the same things, we might become complacent and develop habits we get so used to that we forget that there might be more.

There might be more places, more people, more thoughts, more experiences and more feelings that can inspire us, make our mind move and think unfamiliar thoughts, move our heart and realise that life is a celebration with others, meaningful and with direction.

Feeling makes us aware that we are alive, and how rich and deep life can be, and how joy and pain, sadness and happiness, anger and thankfulness weave a carpet with many colours and shapes, unique for each and every one of us.

A road map for life

Get the big picture this summer – just how all the pieces of your life fit together, like a picture, becomes clearer when the puzzle pieces find their places.

When I do a puzzle I need a copy of the picture to help me to put the pieces into the right places. We all need a road map for life, especially for our spiritual journey.

Do you ever wonder why you are alive, what it is you were uniquely called to live out with others together?

Remember we were made to be connected to others. No human being is an island. That is why we are born into a family and community.

Over time we figure out love maps, what the people around us like and need, and how we can get closer to them. In families we develop shared meaning, get inspired by parents, siblings, relatives and friends.

It can be so satisfying to spend some time this summer reflecting upon your experiences with others and your creator.

Find a way away from your stress

A positive perspective, inspired by God’s Holy Spirit, will reduce your stress and give you solace to sustain you through the “labyrinth of life”.

Now, perhaps more than ever before in our world, folks are searching for meaning and more satisfaction, be it in their relationship with themselves or others, their work, life aspirations and health.

The answers of the world don’t carry us

But where can we find answers and truth? What we tend to do is trying to find pleasure and meaning, just through our achievements, our jobs, money, social status, our own man-made aspiration and values. We rely on our own, often limited, sometimes passing judgment of what our lives should look like. How often do we worry what other people will think?

In contrast Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) says: “For in him [Jesus Christ] all things were created: things in Heaven and on Earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

My prayer for you is that you would experience a newly inspired sense of awe, hope, energy and joy that comes through seeking the truth in God’s word and meaning in community and change your life for the better. Discover, be inspired by connecting with new-found meaning for your life.

Our road map or love map (love, because all that we do as Christians is intended to be inspired by love of God, trust in God, obedience to Him, gratitude and thanks to Him for everything and everyone in our lives and we aim to honour Him in everything) gives our life direction and meaning. It helps us to live to the best of our human capacity. Do your best, leave the rest to God. Dare to trust Him with everything!

As our granddaughter Ruby gets baptised this weekend, it becomes clear that this little human being is a miracle, a unique thought of God. Her parents want her to know about this incredible love, love they have for her, all people around her, and God. With their decision to have her baptised, they open up a new road in front of her, a way her life can develop in love and trust.

If we want peace with ourselves and others and our neighbours we can start by remembering to share with others our lives. Find a sense of belonging and being connected to others in love. Sharing highs and inevitable lows in life means sharing our greatest goal and learning how to love and serve God and others.

Let’s take time to tell and show others that we love them dearly, let’s step up and out in faith, love, and grace and ask ourselves how we can prioritise time with others to grow, inspire and love. Reflect upon how to do this as much as possible.

• Karsten Decker is a German theologian with a double degree equivalent to an MTheol and MDiv. He studied in Marburg (Germany), Knoxville (USA), and Toronto (Canada) and comes from a united church of Lutheran and Reformed Churches. He was the pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Bermuda from 2010 to 2017, and after returning from Germany is now the temporary pulpit supply at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smith’s