My daughter is getting ready to take a trip of a lifetime. She is going to hike the Wonderland trail at Mt. Rainer. It's a ninety-six-mile trip! https://maps.app.goo.gl/tkyLTatDcypWbzLX6
I can't imagine what's ahead of her, the views and experiences that await her. This is something she will never forget.
The thoughts of the prep for my daughter's trip are the same for our faith journey. Livie's has gear to prepare and purchase. She has to get into shape, which requires daily practice for such a trek. Our faith journey is so much more incredible!
Any voyage toward an end goal or destination has rhythms to embrace to keep us focused. Faith comes from the essence of our being, moving us in the direction with uncertainty and hope, much like a trip around Mt. Rainer. These rhythms move us forward through obstacles, valleys, and ridges of life and provide a life course that places us in beautiful vistas and landscapes in breath-capturing spaces of awe. Yes, faith is like that for us - a discovery, a journey, a trek to our homeland.
We often do not notice these experiences in our moments, but they are novel-producing when viewed from our rearview mirror. Walking this faith journey is present and future tense - daily living - hope ahead until we arrive face to face before God.
Here are a few daily and weekly preps/rhythms needed for our expedition.
Prayer and Meditation:
Prayer is more than tossing words up to God. Just this morning, I spoke to a client, and we unpacked that prayer is processing my concerns, thoughts, and feelings with God, which is a relational conversation. A time of speaking. A time of listening. This is an active space with mediation, a reflective space with God on what I am sensing from Him, His word, and how nature declares His glory. It's similar to having memorable moments with family or friends and thinking about the laughter, conversation, and their presence the night before.
Studying Scripture:
Scripture illuminates our path through life's challenges like a beacon in the darkness. It offers guidance, wisdom, and insight into God's character and desires. It's a handheld map for living, a source of comfort and direction. Reflecting on His word is a space where we can explore how His teachings apply to the intricacies of our lives, fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery this trek of faith holds for us. (Psalm1:2-3)
Faith:
Faith is tricky because it is a word of possession and a word of activity. I believe in healthy eating and exercise. However, my actions reflect what I believe and the depth of that belief. My Catholic friends and family members have a phrase that I like distinguishing "Catholics" and "Practicing Catholics." It is as clear as stated. One has rhythms lived out, and the others are not so noticeable—no criticism here, just thoughts of considerations for ourselves. Scripture tells us to test ourselves to see if we are in faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5)
A Community of Worship:
The church is the embodiment of Christ, fostering our connections with God and fellow believers. Integrating it into our rhythms of life is important and a directive. Merely claiming faith without engaging in a community of believers contradicts one's beliefs. This environment offers encouragement, compassion, and development. Remaining alone in faith is venturing into dangerous territory without support, like walking around a mountain alone.
(Hebrews 10:25)
Spiritual Relationships:
Having others who have walked longer in life and faith is a tremendous gift. I have always kept my eyes open for such men for my life, and I have found many. But many weather life alone without the wisdom that can be gifted from others. Mentors, spiritual companions, therapists, and counselors can impart deep insights and enrich our lives and faith. These relationships are essential for our journey of faith. They are like guides on certain parts of our trail. Their experience is invaluable.
Each person's spiritual journey is individually found in the community with fellow believers, requiring patience. It is not a quest for perfection but a progression of growth and strengthening our connection with God as we navigate life. This journey encompasses God's truth, His story of redemption, our experiences, and aspirations. Faith truly thrives when these become a tangible part of our lives. These rhythms enrich, empower, and fulfill our lives. Ultimately, the culmination of our journey is meeting Him face-to-face, just as it all began.
Suppose you need space to process where your journey is currently directing you or assess what rhythms are necessary for the next step of your journey. My space is open to you to prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Peace,
Rob
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