Are You Living an Adventure?
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV)
Adventure. Living with wild abandon. Spontaneity. Embracing the journey. These are all words and phrases I love. Do they describe me? No. Do I live those like those words matter to me? Nope.
Then why do I love them so much?
These words and phrases reflect the ways I wish I could live. I love the way they sound and the images they conjure, but I am not an adventurer, nor am I spontaneous. I love my checklists and carefully made plans. I stick to the script and do what I am supposed to do. However, lately I feel I have been clinging a little too tightly to my lists and plans and missing out on God’s adventure.
Are We Living an Adventure or a Business Trip?
I heard Bob Goff on the radio one day, and what he said struck me with both its simplicity and profoundness: “Life is supposed to be an adventure, but we are living like it is a business trip.”
I think he is 100% correct. We can get so consumed with day-to-day responsibilities that we forget we are actually supposed to be enjoying life.
It may depend upon a season or circumstances, but at some point, as adults, we all seem to experience a lack of joy. Life has its ups and downs, and we will not be happy all of the time, but there is freedom in the Lord, if we will only accept it. Life is not meant to be a series of mindless, mundane tasks. Relish your freedom!
As Bob Goff pointed out, going on an adventure is vastly different from taking a business trip. While we may look forward to a business trip and what will be accomplished, we go with a checklist and an end goal. Generally, we don’t stray from the path on a business trip. We do what needs to be done, and we go home.
On the other hand, we look forward to adventure with open hearts and minds. We look to explore and see what happens. We wander off the path in search of different experiences and opportunities. We seek enjoyment.
How can we apply this perspective to our everyday lives?
The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength
“And Nehemiah continued, ‘Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’” (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT)
The Lord wants us to be joyful and content. The only way we can achieve this is through him. He wants us out there, enjoying his creation, connecting with his people, and spreading his love to those around us.
The Lord has given us strength and power and joy through his Spirit. These are just a few of his many gifts to us. We need to accept them and use them. Tackle your daily tasks with a sense of purpose, and don’t close the door on the opportunity for a little adventure.
Dear Lord, help us view this life as the adventure you have planned for us. Help us accomplish our daily responsibilities with a sense of purpose and adventure. Guide us as we lean on your strength to achieve your purpose for us. Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 NIV)
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)
“’Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10 NIV)
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13-14 NIV)
Reach for More
Take some time to journal and dream. What little things can you change about your day-to-day life to make it more like an adventure? Spend time in Scripture seeking the Lord’s guidance on how to live joyfully and contentedly.
If you feel the need to talk and share your experience, please join us in our Facebook group The Glorious Table Community. We would love to talk with you and pray for you.
is a writer, blogger, and middle school teacher. She and her husband live in Georgia with their three children. In addition to teaching and writing, Dana loves to read, paddle board, and sometimes run. She blogs about faith, family, and enjoying the everyday life at danaherndon.com.
Photograph © Aziz Acharki, used with permission
