"Between the traditional and the new, or between order and adventure, there is no real opposition; and what we call tradition today is a knit work of centuries of adventure." - Jorge Luis Borges quoted at ProdigalKiwi.
Interesting quote. It helps put some things into perspective. If you are reading this blog you are probably on a wonderful, current-day adventure in your spiritual and ministry life. You are an adventurer.
It's an interesting perspective to consider that so many who have gone before us whom we describe as "traditional" were also adventurers in their day. Not all, mind you. The masses tend to follow the adventurers and, within time, that which was new becomes a routine, a liturgy, a program, or just something to do that was once exciting. Taking an adventurous experience and reducing it to something repeatable for others turns it into a tradition. The experience of adventure gets lost.
However, this quote reminds us to reflect on the many adventurers that are sprinkled throughout our traditional heritage. Remembering that our "traditional" heritage is also made up of extreme-sports type rock climbers can remind us to honor them for the courage they had and encourage us to press on in the adventure we are having in our day.
Why waste time worrying about those who don't understand adventure and look for the safety by turning all-out-life-with-God into something routine, predictable, and un-relationship-like. Instead, let's keep our eyes on the top of Everest-- where we are headed-- and enjoy the company of the Adventurers-- past and present.
