Bilbo Baggins famously said “Adventures are such bothersome things”.
I have had many adventures. When I went into the hospital to battle amyloidosis by taking the most potent dose of one of the most toxic chemo drugs (I later learned this was approximately 15000 times an average chemo dose), I embraced the adventure. It was a chance for me to show the Lord how devoted I was to Him. I would show Him–and everyone else! I would be faithful in whatever situation I found myself. I almost died, and I experienced things–physically, emotionally/psychologically, spiritually–I had never even dreamed of experiencing. It very nearly killed me, and it has marked me permanently. I have grown in ways I never could have without the adventure, and I wouldn’t give that up for anything. But…
I used to love adventures. I find I have lost that love.
Today, we embark on another adventure. We leave California (a place I never wanted to live, but now find I don’t want to leave) after months of transition I didn’t ask for and didn’t want. We will, Lord willing, drive to Texas and continue work on The Essential Faith Project (which doesn’t pay at this point) while seeking the avenue of ministry which will allow me to support us.
Faith is easy, until you have to have it.
So, when you are tired and hurting, wounded and wondering, and want more than anything to just go back to what you know and do well, and the Lord presents you with another adventure, what do you do? I’m not the only one embarking on an adventure that seems overwhelming. We need to know how to live the adventure.
I have found there is only one way to do that. I have to keep my focus on Jesus (remember Peter, the water, the waves, the failure) and be faithful in what He presents me moment to moment. Not today. Just right now.
I am older than I used to be, and this isn’t as easy, as exciting, as invigorating as it used to be. But one thing hasn’t changed. Our Lord, our King. He has always been faithful, so our being faithful to Him is natural.
Adventures are such bothersome things. But life is made of adventures, and I am not willing to NOT live the life He has given me, or to live it without Him.
If you know our King, I would encourage you and accept your encouragement as we walk this adventure together. If you do not, understand that life itself is about the King, and you will never truly understand your own life until you are ready to embrace the adventure humbly and faithfully.
Kathleen Cullen says
I absolutely enjoyed your take on the “adventure”! It has made me think of my own adventures past & future & I hope I can live as faithfully as you have. I miss your presence & teachings. Take care.