You don't have to see the whole staircase,
just take the first step.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
But what if ... ?!
Those are always the first words out of my mouth when faced with any decision.
Several years ago I proclaimed I hated the word adventure. When I think of that word, I conjure up images of Peter Pan and his death-defying encounters with crocodiles and Captain Hook. Adventure symbolizes risks I am not willing to take.
But the real definition of adventure is to take part in exciting or unusual experiences. I like fun experiences - especially if they involve travel.
In 2011 I embarked on a two-week solo trip to Paris. This was my dream since elementary school. I rented an apartment in the Montmartre area and I sought to experience life as a Parisian. I went to the museums, ate in outdoor cafes, and visited the Sancerre region on a wine tasting tour.
I was surprised when many commented they were not brave enough to travel on their own.
Brave?! I did not consider myself brave. I considered myself blessed.
But I did ask several "what if" questions along the way.
Those are always the first words out of my mouth when faced with any decision.
Several years ago I proclaimed I hated the word adventure. When I think of that word, I conjure up images of Peter Pan and his death-defying encounters with crocodiles and Captain Hook. Adventure symbolizes risks I am not willing to take.
But the real definition of adventure is to take part in exciting or unusual experiences. I like fun experiences - especially if they involve travel.
In 2011 I embarked on a two-week solo trip to Paris. This was my dream since elementary school. I rented an apartment in the Montmartre area and I sought to experience life as a Parisian. I went to the museums, ate in outdoor cafes, and visited the Sancerre region on a wine tasting tour.
I was surprised when many commented they were not brave enough to travel on their own.
Brave?! I did not consider myself brave. I considered myself blessed.
But I did ask several "what if" questions along the way.
- What if I can't lift my suitcase off the conveyor belt?
- What if I can't find a taxi at the airport?
- What if the taxi takes me on a winding tour of the city because he suspects I am an ignorant American?
- What if the apartment is not as it is pictured on Homeaway?
- What if it is in a sketchy part of town?
- What if I can't buy a Metro ticket?
- What if I can't figure out the Metro system?
- What if ... What if ... What if ...
The risk, it turns out, was worth the uncertainty.
Even though I did not see the full picture before boarding the plane - even though every question was not fully answered - I knew the step was worth the risk. For if I chose to stay home, I would have denied myself a dream-come-true experience.
I want to live this second half of life - however many years I have left - with abandon. I don't want fear of the unknown to limit my life experiences.
I believe the Lord has many adventures planned for my life, He only asks I take that first step... and trust Him with the rest.
The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his own way.
Psalm 37:23 (ESV)
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