It was one of the first backpacking trips I ever guided. We were halfway into our first day, the group was doing well as we plodded up some moderately steep terrain. I was in the back of the group, having some great conversation with a kid, trying to take our minds off of the physical challenge, when all of a sudden things turned south
My intent as a leader was to show the group through the analogy of a starry night how to get away from the light pollution of the city by going out into the wilderness where it is brilliantly dark, so that the stars will shine brighter.
People intrinsically know that to experience greatness is going to require something form them. Those things that are most precious and highly valuable also come with a commensurate cost. Here are some risk quotes to use in teaching others about the need for risk in adventure…
It’s easy to talk about generalities with people by encouraging them to “think positively”, or “believe in yourself”, or “overcome your fears”. Those are general things that most people know they “ought” to be doing. But are they game changers? I don’t think so. By contrast, a truly effective spiritual leader will seek to know the person, and their life situation like a coach knows his players and the game they are playing. Then he can offer game changing perspective. Caring for another person’s soul involves giving specific guidance. Much like players on the court battling for the ball against a team that wants to shut them down, in the spiritual journey everyone needs someone to coach them by offering specific words on target to the unique inner-workings of their soul.
Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, I submit that the wilderness theme in the Bible has much to say about the widely embraced “comfort zone” and experiential learning theories…
