Me, Adventuresome? NOT!

Roger's Rock Face, Lake George, NY - We climbed the back side of this place

As much as I’d like to say I am adventuresome, there are a couple of examples that speak to the contrary:

I am learning Windows 7 with my new laptop and I am lost—so I am going through the tutorial videos to learn my way around. I like to do things correctly; that is to say I am not one to experiment with lots of different ways of doing things. Show me how to do it right then I can adapt it to my living-style. I can be adventurous within boundaries—safe places where I can be free to roam.

The other example that shows others just how timid I am, happened while on vacation in New York with my family. Our first day we decided to climb Roger’s Rock; we packed water and snacks, put on our hiking shoes and drove to the trail head. I recall someone mentioning something about a little hand over feet climbing as we went through the entrance gate of Roger’s Rock State Park…I wasn’t thinking anything of it at the time but decided since, that I need to update their site brochure to reflect the truth—this trail was not only poorly marked, it was dangerous!!

About 9/10ths of the way, straight up over rocks and crags, dodging loose rocks and hunting for safe footing, I became acutely aware that I would not be able to get back down. My thoughts then rambled to wondering if they had ever had to send in helicopter rescue for people like me that decided, “that’s it; I’m done.” And, then I proceeded to have a meltdown, complete with tears and panic-attack-like-shaking from within.

So, in front of my hike-a-mountain-a-day husband, and my three grown children—I became the child. The decision was made for me, that I would stay behind with my two daughters, standing on a 4x4 piece of level ground where I sat on a rock and hung onto a sapling for dear life. My husband and son continued to the top. All the while I just kept thinking, I have to go back down sometime--I don’t know if I can do it!

After what seemed like an hour, the guys were back and we began our descent, one steep step at a time. Every muscle screamed because of being scared out of my wits as rocks tumbled around us. It was then I decided that I am not very adventurous at all. Give me a nice stroll, a gentle climb, even a heart thumping hike, but I would forever avoid anything in the “challenging” category. I made it down safely with the help of my family and my God who protects me…but I was finished for the week. I’d had enough hiking and decided that sitting on the patio overlooking the water was just the adventure I was looking for.

The smile is because I am near the bottom!

So, as you can imagine, it takes a lot of coaxing to step out of my comfort zone. I can relate to the fear I see in the lives of those who God coaxed to serve Him. Abraham leaving his home to travel to an unknown place; Moses having to return to Pharoah and the land he’d fled from; Esther needing to approach the king; Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers and finding God’s purpose for him there…I am a wimp when it comes to climbing mountains by faith, but I know that if I am called, He will lead me step-by-step to His purpose for me, because He says, “Fear not, for I am with you” every step of the way.

“Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Fasten Your Seat Belt - Adventure Ahead!

I just returned from a retreat this past weekend—two nights away from home, surrounded by worship and accompanied by women. It is always good to get away, contemplate life and “get an alignment” by hearing from God’s word. The weekend was just that—I came back totally exhausted yet more sure of who I am in God’s eyes.

The weekend focused on the topic of GPS—God’s Path Spoken. We looked at Peter’s journey with Christ and asked what we can learn through their interactions. As we answer Jesus’ questions like, “What do you seek?” and “Who do you say that I AM?” And then, like Peter, respond to His commands to, “Cast out into the deep” and “Do not be afraid”, we saw how Peter’s path took him to the place God planned for him…Jesus said, “Simon, you will be called Peter”—Jesus saw who Peter would become when the Holy Spirit began to work within him.

His promise to be with Peter on his journey is also our promise.

Interestingly, Monday morning, I re-entered reality and headed off to work. Not far from home I met with a blocked road and a detour sign. The utility trucks were in the distance; the traffic lights weren’t working, and the traffic turned to follow the orange detour signs. I blindly followed, but when all I could see was brake lights, I knew I had made a mistake. I quickly calculated that if I reversed direction I could get to work (hopefully on time) by another way and decided to make a U-turn.

I was soon on my way and though it was the long way around, I felt like I had made the right decision. The route wasn’t totally unfamiliar yet I was enjoying the change of scenery along the way. I am a creature of habit and take the same route to work, day in and day out. I realized that sometimes detours are necessary to get us to our destination. And, if we can settle in to enjoy the scenery, the disruption can become an adventure.

After the weekend of hearing about following God by listening to His word, putting myself into the story and asking how I need to answer when God asks me a question, my little detour lesson is another message letting me know that even though God may take me through a detour, He has a plan. If I listen and follow, I will get where I need to go.

I don’t know about you but I have had many detours in my life—sickness, family issues, disappointment. Honestly, these have led to discouragement more often than expectation. I want to view them differently from now on. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid…cast out into the deep. The road may twist and turn but ultimately I will arrive at my destination.

I also learned that following God is meant to be an adventure--so fasten your seat belt—it’s gonna be awesome!

Looking in your rear view mirror, how has God transformed your detours into an adventure? What have you learned about God and yourself as you travel through them?

Will you travel with me,

Jeanne