Do you want to know what I’ve learned recently? When you have one arm in a sling, you never really meet a stranger.
I had my right shoulder replaced at the end of July, and for the past four weeks (with at least two more to go) I’ve been living life one-armed. What I didn’t expect is how often complete strangers stop to ask me about my arm. Many share their own shoulder surgery stories, while others tell me about a hip or knee replacement. It turns out a sling is a surprisingly good conversation starter! I even teased my church that maybe we should all wear slings if we want an easy way to share Jesus with others.
That’s just one of the latest lessons I’ve learned. One of my priorities in life is to keep learning — to pay attention to the wisdom and knowledge that God places in front of me. Sometimes those lessons come through daily life, and other times they come more directly as the Lord shapes me as a disciple of Jesus.
This fall is a natural season for learning. Students are heading back to classrooms, and in our churches, many small groups, Bible studies, and accountability groups are beginning again. It’s a wonderful time to grow in faith together.
For example, I lead a group called Basic Bible where we read through a book of the Bible, a few chapters each week. The main “curriculum” is the questions people bring from their own reading. I share insights as well, but I always say: I’d rather answer your real questions than the ones I assume you have. Those honest conversations help us dig into God’s Word in meaningful ways, and I see people growing in their confidence to read Scripture for themselves.
As Global Methodists and as the Upper Midwest Conference, we are committed to helping one another grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to lovingly walk alongside laity and clergy as they make disciples and spread scriptural holiness around the globe. Sometimes that means providing resources, but often it simply means connecting you with another person or congregation who is passionate about the area of discipleship where you want to grow. We are stronger together, and we are always learning together.
My prayer for you this fall is that the Holy Spirit will open new opportunities for you to learn, grow, and be shaped as a disciple of Jesus. May this be a season of wisdom, discovery, and grace.
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” — Proverbs 1:5
