Introduction

The Spiritual Pilgrimage assignment, as part of the Capstone, has been beneficial in many ways.  First, it allowed me to reflect on the past three years and see God’s blessings I have taken for granted.  Secondly, it allowed me to be reminded of how far I have grown, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally to prepare me for the mission field.  Finally, it gave me great insight into just how Divine the nature of Seminary has been.  God placed my courses to fit each season of my life.  Thus, realizing His omniscience presents to meet the needs every step of the way. 

Spiritual Pilgrimage Essay

Personal

My personal growth has been quite a journey since the beginning of Seminary.  I have continued to have a childlike heart yet mature into the adult God has created me to be.  I have chased awards, glory, and admiration, using the mask of busyness and hurry to hide inner personal pain.  If others thought I was busy, my admiration scale jumped, and others wanted to be like me.  My treasure was placed in admiration and awards while giving the outward appearance of being a driven professional not to disappoint my fans, friends, and family. 

I never saw the danger in this behavior.  Jones explains, “The best idols remained cloaked in garments of innocent acceptableness” (Jones, 2003, p. 2).  I could not own my sin, for I could not see it, nor did I want to view it.  I used it to impress others.  

I have grown out of this in favor of seeking intentional relationships to connect with others truly.  To listen carefully and be present, for, however, the Holy Spirit guides me to know the heart of the stranger.  I am more Kingdom` minded now, and I have Seminary to thank for that.

The relationships developed within the cohorts, five-day intensives, and online courses are invaluable.  These friendships are proving to be so fruitful in further discussions, learning, and as a way to do life together despite our geographic locations. 

Personally, the relationship between my stepdaughter and I was a God-ordained victory. I prayed for her always. The more involved I became with small groups, the prayers for her increased.  As I grew into Seminary, she watched me study, asked questions about God, and watched me transform love her and others no matter what.  Today our love has grown exponentially for each other. Three years ago, she gave her life to Christ. Two years ago, she was Baptized, and this year she has led her stepsister to Christ.  She has become bold in her faith, her love and even teaches others how to use the YouVersion Bible app.

Academic

As I reflect on my papers, I am amazed at how I have grown academically.  I think deeper with a more analytical review.  I listen in a new way and have learned to ask questions differently.  I am very thankful for every instructor at Indiana Wesleyan.  Each course has fit the current season of life. It is incredible how God works that way.  I have seen the academics come full circle this weekend, presenting the message at church for the first time.  It was terrific utilizing preaching essentials from my very first paper and had it resonate with across generations ranging from Gen Z to the Boomers.  Lessons from the Intergenerational ministry helped me bridge that gap. Theology from Dr. Drury’s introduction to Theology guided my Scripture to tie into my life stories from Spiritual Formation class.

Spiritual

I honestly cannot believe how much I have grown spiritually.  The lesson in that is that I should not ever underestimate how powerful God is when He as called you to His mission.  It brings to light this Scripture Philippians 1:6: “God who began a good work in you will keep right on helping you to grow in His grace until His task is finally completed.”  God continues to work in me spiritually to challenge me daily to move toward Christlike centeredness. 

To truly transform, we must open the pathway through spiritual disciplines. “Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience.” (Galatians 6:6 MSG).  Much like an athlete, we must train ourselves through discipline and share with others our experience.  Disciplines are the practices that put us in a position for God to transform us.  Foster expresses, “This is the path of disciplined grace” (Foster, 1983, p. 8).  We are loved, no matter what through grace.  The disciplines have challenged and changed me for the sake of others.  I am forever grateful to God and Indiana Wesleyan Seminary for my Spiritual growth. 

Conclusion

Reflecting on my pilgrimage reminded me of the importance of continuing the need to work in the spiritual disciplines to work toward a Christ-centered life.  It also was a great reminder of how I have changed for the sake of others.  I am also reminded of this pilgrimage that while on earth, the pilgrimage is never-ending, it will be a process to the end of earthly life in preparation for the eternal life.

References

Foster, R. J. (1983). Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. New York: HarperCollins e-books.

Jones, K. B. (2003). Addicted to Hurry. Valley Forge: Judson Press.