Are You Experienced?

Last week I spent the better part of 5 days with 33,000 Lutherans in New Orleans (not to mention 3 days traveling).  This was a part of the ELCA's National Youth Gathering, a huge event that happens every three years.  Now if you read our most recent blog from Neil Christians you read a little bit about how huge this event is.  From rock concerts to servant projects, from dances to devotions this is an event intended to make an impact on these young people (and the adult leaders) that will help shape their faith.  It is an experience.

Experiences shape our lives like nothing else.  Take Christmas for example.  Do you remember what you received for Christmas last year?  What did you get for your kids?  Contrast that with a trip you took or a family reunion you were a part of.  Those event, those experiences, the ones that we share with others, have a far greater impact on our lives than any Christmas present we have ever received.  Those experiences shape us more than sitting at our desk or in a classroom.  Our experiences define us.

Now the challenge: have you had any experiences lately?  Have you been able to break free from your desk and the endless list of emails to actually have a life changing experience.  All of us want those types of experiences but if we never step foot out of the office how will they ever happen.

This is what Jesus did for his disciples.  When he called them to follow him he invited them to experience life.  They were invited to be a part of everything he was a part of and those experiences shaped their lives.  It was because of those experiences that they were able to continue his mission and expand this new faith.  They were experienced.

My question is are you?