Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage … They go from strength to strength
till each appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:5, 7 (NIV)

Settlers resist change, prefer predictable ways, and like to operate within set limits. They may rearrange the furniture but are reluctant to tear down a wall or renovate. They know who they are, where they have been, and where they are going. They like landmarks and traditional ways. Order predominates. The settler works hard to make and keep things comfortable. They know their neighbours and maintain the fences.

Pilgrims leave the familiar in search of something new. They are undeterred by obvious challenges or hazards. They take the road less travelled. They’ll endure hardships for the promise of something better. Progress is the goal. They often push the envelope, not for the sake of change per se, but because they long for more. The landscape is secondary. Fences get in the way. The journey is what really counts.

So who are you? A settler or a pilgrim?