2014: The Year of Adventure

In years past, I have sometimes had to think a good deal to find a word that could sum up my life over the year, but almost from the start, I knew that 2014 was to be the year of adventure. This has undoubtedly been the most adventure-packed year of my life, as previous posts will evidence, and it’s almost hard to believe that all of it actually happened in only one year. Webster’s Dictionary defines adventure as: “Risk of which one has no direction . . . a bold undertaking, in which hazards are to be encountered, and the issue is staked upon unforeseen events.” My life this year has indeed been quite a series of unforeseen events, and each has led me to greater boldness and willingness to risk giving up my direction – meaning both my control and my aim. Adventures were laid in my path by God, but it was my part to choose the bold undertaking and stake my security on His direction. Had I chosen a risk-free, calculated year of trying to accomplish my goals my way in my familiar comfort zone, I would perhaps be at the end of it once again trying to figure out what exactly changed in my life.

Instead, God took the modest list of goals that I might have managed by my own hard work, and replaced it with a loftier one than I would have dared imagine, only doable by His hand. I hardly recognize my old intentions, but once God takes you on some adventures, it’s not so hard to aim a little higher. No doubt there are more hazards yet to be encountered, but it’s so nice not to be the one directing things, I’ll gladly stake my future on the Author of adventures. Above all, I believe that this adventuresome year has taught me to fear less and trust more, if those common words are enough to describe the satisfaction of setting out on another blissfully unforeseen chapter of God’s adventure for me. As blessed as 2014 has been, I welcome 2015 and all it has to hold with open arms. May it be glorious – amen!

“Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous,

Do not be terrified;

do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God

will be with you

wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9