Commentary: Walk a mile and learn more about your city

Actions speak louder than words, or so the saying goes. Translation: How you live reveals what you truly value.

There is another adage that also rings true: You can gain intuitive insight by walking a mile in a person’s shoes.

It is 5 a.m. A wake-up alarm gets my eyes open and feet on the floor. Generally, my day begins with a quick Listerine gargle and a hot shower, followed by some Bible reading, journaling and prayer.

On this particular day, however, my regular routine is intentionally interrupted.

Mayor Steve Mensinger loves to walk. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, one can find him walking the streets of Costa Mesa. Three times a week, Mensinger invites the community to join him in his exercise routine.

His goal is to help our local shareholders gain an up-close perspective of neighborhood life and capital development.

The mayor’s invitation is simple. His method is effective.

Full disclosure: I am not much of a walker. If I am completely transparent, walking is a little lackluster for my liking. I prefer a more-active fitness routine. My sports of choice include basketball, half marathons and motorcycle riding.

On this particular morning, however, walking is on the docket. So without complaint, I don my running gear, put on a hat and make way for the rendezvous point.

Estancia High School is a jewel of a school. It is located on bluffs that regularly capture the cool Pacific Ocean breezes. Estancia is home to many of our Westside teens, and therefore it’s a hub for student life and community activity.

The church facility I use as a ministry springboard is a mere quarter mile from the Estancia campus. Mayor Steve lives in the neighborhood and has a son who attends the school. Consequently, its parking lot is a compelling starting point for us.

We are not alone.

Accompanying us on this particular morning is Mike Bargas, head varsity football coach and co-athletic director for Estancia High. For the past eight years, Bargas has led a winning football program. His early-morning exercise discipline provides a window into what helps contribute to his team success.

Walk a mile in a person’s shoes.

Have you ever noticed how walking and talking pair nicely together? Over a five-mile jaunt, the three of us share stories, talk family, deliberate football, take pictures and silently pray.

While walking, we converse with morning commuters at bus stops, on sidewalks, in business parking lots and along city streets. While canvasing the boulevards, we courteously greet homeless individuals as they arise from their bedrolls located under trees and near storefronts.

Dog walkers and cyclists are out in force. Taggers have left their signatures.

As we walk, we learn. Costa Mesa is changing.

Are you open to seeing our city through a new lens? Lace up your shoes and walk a mile.

Regardless of your political or mascot persuasion, consider joining our mayor and local football coach in their weekday excursion. They’d be delighted to have you join them.

If you are a person of faith, pray silently as you walk. Ask God to flourish our city businesses and the employees they employ. Ask God to empower our school teachers as they strive to mentor our children. And ask God to minister to the needs of those who live on the streets.

Walk a mile and invite God to enlarge your love and perspective for this city we call home.

MIKE DECKER is the lead pastor of Palm Harvest Church on the Westside of Costa Mesa and a 20-year chaplain with the Costa Mesa Police Department.