Want to have an adventure this 2014? Walter Middy’s secret life became reality when he took action. Many events propelled him on, but the one event, or connection that spurred him on the most was the budding love at the office. She gave him the words of encouragement that he needed to bring his secret life to reality!
I don’t think I’ll be going to Yemen or Iceland, and the thoughts of beating a shark off with my briefcase is not my idea of fun. However, I have to admit, Walter challenged me. He did not challenge me to purchase tickets and go. He challenged me to create my own adventure right where I am.
Is life not adventurous enough? Stop and ponder your immediate realm of influence and the community in which you live. Our family traveled with a local church to a nursing home on New Year’s Eve to provide a party, song, and dance. It was a last-minute decision that brought great joy. Adventure is in your spirit–being present and creative within the day-to-day. Being a part of this event reminded me of the obvious before us that we miss.
When we came home the Beatles were singing a song about “all the lonely people”. That’s when God brought it all together for me. We are a lonely people because we don’t see the obvious connections and joy in our immediate surroundings. We are always secretly wishing for a way out, a better day, a greater experience. What if we truly embraced the moment and create adventure and connection there? One of the ladies in the nursing home knew this secret at 93 years old. Her name was Mary, and her brother Bud was there too. Her loving, adventurous spirit in a place that folks deem the last resort–a nursing home, was contagious. You could see it in her eyes, hear it in the words spoken, and the smile on her face. She was thrilled to roll down the hallway and take an adventure with us.
Small things matter most
- Dollar store crafts, markers,paper, or a tie dye kit
- A new recipe
- A date night out with your spouse
- Singing with your family
- Reading God’s Word as a family before meals
- Calling a local nursing home and asking how you can serve
- Gathering items for a homeless shelter or food pantry
- Salon night at home–painting nails, fixing hair, pedicures
- Hide and go seek and other simple outdoor games
- Sleepovers in another room in the house
- Purchasing a box of encouraging cards and using them to send a note of joy and blessing to others
Yet, the greatest adventure is in your change of heart and mind. Surrendering to the One who will embark you on the great adventure! His love story for you and words of encouragement within His love letter–the Bible –will take you places you can’t even imagine or think up for yourself!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
But as it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” I Corinthians 2:9
