Life-long Learning

I heard an amazing tale of survival and faith yeasterday at my church. We've developed a relationship with some folks in Haiti and the sermon was delivered by one of these persons who serves as a translator for United Methodist mission workers. He talked of his survival from the January 2010 earthquake - he was buried alive when a building collapsed around him. While he was buried he prayed and a "voice" told him that though he was buried, he could "still do something". Ultimately he dug his hand and then his head free of the rubble and was able to call out to rescuers. He came through the ordeal with minimal injuries and in fact helped others before going to the hospital to tend to his pain. He titled his message, "The University of Life" and in it he told of how his faith had sustained him during his time of darkness and distress. Life had taught him that though there appeared to be no options, he could always do something. His ability to be in relationship to G-d allowed him to come through the earthquake and the last two years, with an understanding that he is never alone. It got me musing on how my life and life experiences have informed my faith (and vice versa). I've never been through anything remotely as difficult as Jean Claude, but there certainly have been challenges. How about you?! How has your life influenced your faith and your faith journey? I was reading the newest edition of Weavings magazine (Why Are You Afraid?) and there's a writing entitled, "Epektasis". This Greek word means to "stretch forward". Gregory of Nyssa used this term in expanding on the Apostle Paul's letter to Philemon. St. Gregory posits that our whole spiritual life is an ascent towards G-d, a transformational experience that leads us ever onward and upward (think of Jacob's ladder) into a more intimate relationship with the Creator. Is this how you're learning to be - or are you stuck in the past and afraid of the future - in limbo unable to move? Maybe you're stuck in the world, unable to believe in something that isn't "real"? Maybe it's a combination of the above...only you and G-d know for sure. This week, spend some time exploring your fears and the arc of your spiritual journey. If you are stuck in place, ask for help from a spiritual guide or director, church leader, maybe a strong spiritual friend. Look back on your own "classwork" in the University of Life and see what you've already learned, and where the holes might be to get you to the next step on the ladder. Peace for the journey, Dan