Life Is An Adventure

This past week the Lord gave me some perspective.

I was physically and mentally exhausted and I was feeling spiritually malnourished as well. I've been working a lot, trying to keep ahead of the bills with some recent unexpected expenses. I'm blessed to have a job that pays well enough for My dear wife to stay home with our 1-year old. But this past week felt like drudgery, wading through stacks of paperwork - being pulled in several different directions - falling behind...

Then I saw again one of my favorite quotes: Life is an adventure in forgiveness. But I keyed into the first four words. Life is an adventure.

The Lord - somehow in my spirit - nudged me in the side and lifted my eyes so I could see the adventures that I am enjoying by his mercy.

Life is an adventure in parenting. I prayed for so long for the sweet blessing of these two children. Every day I step up to the challenge of providing for them and directing them toward a life of following Jesus.

Life is an adventure in prayer. I know the tremendous power of a prayerful life. Even now I'm investing myself in prayer. I've just come off of three days fasting sweets as I prayed the Lord would continue to meet our needs and bless my work. I'm fasting other pleasures (caffeine and chocolate) as I pray specific prayers over my wife and children. I have a well worn prayer list and I'm excited to see God answering prayers in and around my life.

Life is an adventure in creativity. My time to invest myself in my music - songwriting, playing guitar, writing - is severely limited these days. But it is exciting to see how God is opening doors of opportunity. We're involved in our church's music ministry now. I'm reconnecting with old musician friends and making new ones, too. I feel new songs rising up within me. I'm enjoying practicing guitar late at night and I'm learning new songs.

Life is an adventure in loving my wife. We started dating twenty-seven years ago this month and I'm still crazy, mad, backflipping in love with her. I want to be the best husband I can be.

Life is an adventure in serving others.
Life is an adventure in kindness.
Life is an adventure in trusting God.
Life is an adventure in being still and knowing.
Life is an adventure in finding fellowship.
Life is an adventure in spreading joy.
Life is an adventure in perseverance!

I can't help but think of Indiana Jones (especially since part 4 is coming out soon!). Remember the first Indiana Jones movie? Remember the huge boulder that he barely escaped as it rolled toward him in a narrow passage? That's how I've been feeling lately. Like I'm just barely staying ahead of getting smushed! But God is faithful and He holds on to me.

Life is an adventure.

I love that quote that pops up in magazines and at funerals from time to time: The purpose of life is not to arrive at death in a perfectly preserved body, but rather to slide in head first, perfectly used up, yelling 'Wahoo! What a ride!

I love the ride God has me on and I'm living the adventures He has for me now.

Lead on, Lord. I trust You.