How do you get somewhere without a map? Navigators and explorers used the stars, compass, and a sextant. Animals use a variety of senses. Some scientists think that homing pigeons even use their sense of the Earth's magnetic field to find home. All these things are kinds of "wayfinding."
As we travel along the way of Jesus, we need to develop our own aptitude for spiritual wayfinding. That's what these conversations are about. As we are leaving the familiar, God is being revealed to us and through us in new ways.
Rod, Bryce, Caz, and Dani share what they've learned from their own journeys, using elements of earth, wind, fire, and water as metaphors for the steps along the way. Watching these videos might itself be a kind of journey for you. Carve out some time to watch them, and do some journaling in response. When you get to the end, you could be in a different place than you started. We hope they spark something for you!
Earth
Rod White talks about how we get planted in new soil. Discernment is a vital process of growth for all who follow Jesus. God is with us and wants to be known. He mentions multiple practices for discernment and spiritual growth. Have you used any of these practices in your own life? Which would you be interested in trying?
Wind
Bryce Hewlett helps us feel the wind of the Holy Spirit. Discernment is knowledge through experience, and our primary experience is our feelings. As we get in touch with our inner life, we learn to sense how the Holy Spirit is moving in us and what “windbrakes” we have that block it. The idea of following the Holy Spirit can be both exciting and terrifying. What feelings does it invoke for you? What do those feelings say to you?
Fire
Caz Tod-Pearson reflects on finding our inner fire. As we know ourselves better, we learn to listen and trust God in us. With this trust comes the freedom to try something new. What do you gain when you stop worrying about whether something is the “right” decision?
Water
Dani Vasquez takes us to the living waters of the Wissahickon and God's grace. In the end, discernment is not just about deciding what to do but learning who we are - beloved children of God swimming in an ocean of grace. She mentions her learned habits of relating to others that have led to stagnant instead of living waters. How are you feeling a call to new ways of relating to yourself, others, or God?