I have had a small note, (which I read often), stuck to the
front of my computer for a good while. It is a quote from Helen Keller that
says, "Life is an adventure, or it is nothing". One definition of the
word "adventure" is: "an undertaking involving unknown
risks," another is: "and exciting or remarkable experience," and
if Helen Keller didn't understand what that meant, no one could. Both blind and
deaf, she overcame this challenge and with the help of others, turned her life
into "a remarkable experience," which has been an inspiration to so
many in our world.
My wife and I often talk about "the adventure" our
life has been. Granted our life decisions are not for everyone, what we choose
to do would not fit your life. However, having said that, it doesn't mean that
your life has not been or cannot be an adventure also. We may be different
physically and emotionally, but we each have the God given Spirit of Life and
as long as there is breath and life in us, our own personal adventure continues.
God's Word is filled with the records of people who have
chosen to live a life of adventure, undertaking the unknown risks, having
(sometimes) remarkable experiences. Isn't that what draws us to God, isn't that
what causes us to read with excitement the stories recorded in his word. How
many of you remember the stories first taught to you by your Bible School
teachers of Adam and Eve, of Abraham and Sarah, of Isaac and Esau or of Noah
and his family in the Ark? What about the early disciples of Jesus as they left
their homes and followed him, then they spread out through the whole world
sharing his message.
But, that is not the role he has given to most of us and it
may seem like your life lacks adventure. To some God has given the role of
husband or wife, or teacher or factory worker, or Elder or Deacon, or
encourager or contributor. Your life may not seem particularly exciting or
adventurous, but our greatest adventure is the one in which we all share, we
who follow Jesus. It is the adventure that comes when this life is over, the
great transition of our physical death or our eternal life with our God in
Heaven.
For the time being, "The Adventure Continues,"
our life never lacks purpose (or being a remarkable experience), if we just
focus on being the best wherever God places us. The apostle Paul writes these
words to encourage some who may have felt cheated because they couldn't do what
others could. "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes
them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are
different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same
God at work". (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) I pray that you will see the
adventure in your life and find fulfillment in it, whatever it may be!
