Day 4: Following the Draw

A Week of Drifting · Day 4 of 7

The story. Walking near Bevagna in the Spoleto valley, Francis saw the trees and fields full of birds. He told his companions to wait for him on the road, and he went over to them. The birds did not scatter. He spoke to them of the God who feeds them and clothes them, and they stayed until he had finished. It was not on the day’s plan. Something drew him, and he followed.

The reflection. Once the oars are down, the boat begins to move. In this prayer the current is whatever gently draws you: a turn in the path, the way the light falls on a wall, the smell of bread from a doorway, a child laughing across the street, a memory that rises without being asked. You do not have to choose well. You only have to follow.

It helps to look at the familiar as though for the first time. The tree you pass every day is not, in fact, the same tree; the light, the season and you have all changed since yesterday. Notice what is around you. Notice, too, what stirs inside you as you look, without deciding whether it is good or bad. Steer only for safety. Let the drawing do the rest.

Today’s invitation. Take a walk this evening, around your street or neighborhood, for as long as you have. Say the six words at the door. At every corner, go the way that draws you, even if it makes no sense. Let yourself be curious about one ordinary thing you have walked past a hundred times.

A question to carry. What drew you today, and where did it lead?

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