Day 1 at the Q Session with Eugene Peterson was “filling.”

My heart was filled.

My mind was filled.

My soul was filled.

And there’s no doubt that the countless nuggets he shared — and will undoubtedly share again today — will take some time to process before they eventually get shared here.

So instead of trying to pinpoint one of yesterday’s numerous nuggets, I thought I’d offer an impression of my first day with Eugene…

When he was asked how he has become the man that we see before us today, he simply replied,

Life was a long transformation…

Life…

Was a long transformation.

Even for this “spiritual giant”… who was every bit as humble, soft-spoken, unassuming and generous as I might have assumed; life and formation has been a journey — a life-long process.

A life-time of transformation, in a world that has become increasingly “instant-oriented” over Peterson’s 80 years of life, points to the significance of “a long obedience in the same direction.”

If anyone would have been able to figure out a shortcut, secret formula or magical code to speeding up the spiritual formation process it would likely have been Peterson.

But, as many of us have likely suggested to our students before, there are not shortcuts… no secret formulas… no magical codes when it comes to discipleship and faithfully following Jesus.

It takes consistency and persistence.

It takes an openness to God in every area of life.

It takes living out what we believe and addressing any incongruence in our belief and action.

It takes prioritizing our relationship with Jesus always — always.

And if we are able to faithfully live this way — with humility and grace — over the course of our lifetime…

I think we might be amazed at how we are allowed to experience God… and how God might choose to use us.

In a world where we see so many Christian leaders stumble and fall… Peterson is a shining example that a faithful life — 80 years strong — is indeed possible.

I’m curious to know:

Who are the “heroes of faith” that you look to for faithful encouragement?

What do you believe is so significant about having living, breathing examples of faithful leadership for us to look at?

How do you understand your life as an example of “long transformation” for the students you serve?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Please take a moment to share in the comment section below.

Now, it’s time for Day 2 with Eugene!