"At the end of the day, you can look back with gratitude, resting in the Spirit until a new day begins and you continue walking the journey of faith.

"As we walk in the Spirit, we pass through different kinds of terrain. We walk through beautiful valleys where life is full of joy and we feel like dancing. We walk on long uphill climbs where we seem to slide back two steps for every three steps of ascent. We walk along slippery trails where it's easy to fall, and through swampy patches where we can get bogged down. We walk through dark passages where we can easily lose our way, and across flat terrain where nothing seems to change mile after mile. We walk through dangerous territory where bullets fly and it's easy to get wounded, and in peaceful places where we can breathe free. Through it all, we need patience, endurance, and perseverance so that no matter what happens, we'll keep putting one foot ahead of the other.

"If we don't give up, as mile adds to mile, each of us will have some stories to tell . . . stories of how the Spirit guided, empowered, inspired, restrained, sustained, and trained us in the fine art of aliveness. And that's another great blessing of being part of a community of faith. Along the way, we gather around a table or campfire and share our stories about the journey so far. We share our joys and sorrows. We share mistakes we've made and falls we've taken and lessons we've learned. We share ways in which we've experienced the Spirit moving in us, among us, and through us. Through this sharing, we encourage each other. And then we get back on the road.

"Sadly, lots of people get distracted and lose their way. Instead of continuing to walk in the Spirit, they slow down to look back proudly on how far they've come. They become highly impressed by all they've learned — theological concepts, Bible lore, religious history, and so on. Pretty soon, they come to a standstill and brag among themselves, comparing themselves to others who haven't walked as far or fast or cleverly as they have. They form little encampments, sitting around day after day, quarreling about this or that fine point of walking theory. Pretty soon they're so out of shape they give up walking altogether and specialize in talking about the way others walk.

"That's their choice. But for us . . . let's keep walking. Let's keep on the road. However far we've come, there's far more ahead to explore. The Spirit is on the move, so let us keep moving, too.

Engage:

"1. What one thought or idea from today's lesson especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped, or surprised you?
2. Share a story about how the Spirit has encouraged you through others at this table.
3. How do you respond to the warning about losing your way and becoming a critical bystander rather than a humble walker?
4. For children: Have you ever taken a hike in the forest? Tell us about it. Did you learn anything on the trail?
5. Activate: This week, aim to 'check in' with the Spirit each morning and evening, and several times throughout the day. And look for opportunities to share stories of what the Spirit is doing in your life.
6. Meditate: Hold the image of a ship raising its sail to the wind. Ponder what it would mean for you to raise your sail to the Holy Spirit. Let a prayer arise within you."