18 Oct, 2011
While cycling through Illinois, I had the pleasure of following a series of beautiful trails that skirt bodies of water. The most well known of these is probably Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, which connects a great deal of the city while it winds along Lake Michigan. Elsewhere, there are a number of trails that are part of the Rails to Trails efforts to convert old train thoroughfares into paths for cycling, running, etc. In addition to these, there are also several trails that follow canals, such as the Illinois-Michigan and Hennepin canals. These waterways once formed the economic backbone of the region by opening up transportation to the Mississippi River, Lake Michigan, and the broader national and international shipping network.
As I listened to the sound of my tires pass over the gravel and smooth pavement of these paths, I was struck by the innovation that they represent. Each path brought me through another period in history in which the regional economy responded to the needs of the time.
At present, we face a major shift in the needs of the planet. Our bodily connection to the earth necessitates that we reexamine our behavior in response to the significant changes we are starting to see. The way that we have lived is unsustainable. It simply cannot live indefinitely. However, through creative innovation, we can rebuild our society in a way that we become more mindful of our own health and that of the planet as a whole. This requires something of a resurrection in which what lives on bears the mark of transformation but also the undeniable beauty of having overcome significant obstacles. It requires renewed life.
Thanks to the White Rose Catholic Worker House for their incredible hospitality and great work!
Thanks to Michael Le Chevallier and the great folks at Covenant Community of University Church! Thanks also to the folks from University of Chicago's Divinity School who showd up for the talk!
Thanks to Seth and the folks at People's Church!
Here's the beautiful sanctuary at People's Church.
Our response to climate change can be one of creativity. We can create jobs while becoming more sustainable. The changes in infrastructure that are long overdue could bring long overdue work for people all over the country. Imagine avoiding the costs and frustrations of driving in traffic. Imagine high-speed rails that connect major cities, cut down travel time, and are more energy efficient than cars, trucks, planes, and contemporary trains. Look at transportation with a fresh gaze, and imagine what it could be.
This doesn’t mean we can remedy our mistakes through increased vanity of our innovation. If we turn to technology without looking toward sustainability, there is the danger of turning our work into an idol that works in spite of our relationship to the planet and the divine source of all things rather than in recognition of that connection.
One morning while cycling along a canal, I came across a train wreck from the night before.
We face significant changes ahead, but those changes can be good. As the canals of Illinois illustrate, we can accomplish major tasks when we focus our efforts, imagination, and resources on responding to the needs of our times.
Until we meet again
More actively innovative
Than we thought possible
Great to see my old YDS friend Rachel Watson! Thanks to her and Levi, her black lab, for their kindness and company!
