My 8 1/2 year old grandson sort of epitomizes the following quote:
There are people who prefer to say ‘Yes,’ and there are people who prefer to say ‘No.’ Those who say ‘Yes’ are rewarded by the adventures they have, and those who say ‘No’ are rewarded by the safety they attain. Keith Johnstone quoted in “Living a Life on Loan”
At 8 1/2 he has more bravado than brains. That is not a slam; it is a fact. He seems to know no fear. During his recent visit we took him to a skate park (he is learning how to skateboard) and while initially intimidated by the size of the kids, he became fascinated as he watched them. Fortunately for me (since I have never skated) one of the men from the church “just happened” to come by. Dan had skated from age 14-25. He gave him some tips then with my blessing took him inside. He taught him how to do a ramp (Braden fell a couple of times because he insisted on doing it his way). As we left he wanted to do a more challenging ramp (which he did). That evening he texted his mom and asked if they would take him to a skate park “in Columbus or Ohio somewhere.” Oh yeah, he also asked if he could go down the big ramps (the bowl). Mother smarts took over and told him he needed to practice more.
That adventuresome spirit is often missing in many of us. We settle for Blahville.
The extent of my adventure these days due to my age and an arthritic knee seems to be limited to my bicycle and watching God do amazing things. All in all that is not a bad trade-off. Broken bones from trying to skateboard or refreshed spirit from watching God work. I’ll take the latter if you don’t mind. 🙂 Case in point: three people were baptized yesterday- one young person and 2 adults. Yeah, I’ll take that any day.
And how has your adventure been lately?
I am in a valley right now. I have kind of been stuck there after trying to get out for what seems like a long time.
I hope you find your way out soon Daniel. Been there done that don’t want to go there again.
I’ve spent my life being safe. When I’ve been courageous enough to be just a tad adventurous, it’s usually paid off.
Usually!
The kids show us how, don’t they …
have to agree with you on the kids Linda. he keeps me young (or is that makes me feel old). 🙂
That’s awesome about the baptisms. I definitely want more adventure in my life.
When the kids leave you and Jan will find time for it. 🙂
I have never spent time in Blahville. Not my kind of place. I have many great memories and am always up for making more.
Blahville is not where I want to be either Jeff. NEVER! I can see you not wanting to either.
My adventures lately have been found in writing Adventures in The Glade. 🙂 That’s more than enough for me. Like you, Bill, I love watching how God works. Awesome about the baptisms!
Blessings!
And I LOVE those adventures Martha! I’ve got some kids reading them also and they love them as well. 🙂
So deeply gratified to know that they do! Can’t thank you enough for the promotion. 🙂
Well, Bill, I am with you on this one, all the way. While my attempts at physical adventures may seem mediocre to most, the spiritual adventure just gets better and better!
No question Pam. Better and better.
I’m not a very adventurous person either. I’m learning though! God keeps nudging me into new situations all the time, and I keep discovering that He doesn’t leave me alone when I get there. 🙂 (I can be a slow, timid learner.) My adventures now are more like yours–not necessarily in the physical realm, but in the spiritual realm. Those will last for eternity!
You don’t mind the nudge as long as it does not involve a headlong push. 🙂 I will go along with you Lisa on the adventures which last for an eternity.
Baptisms are awesome blessings! I’ve never been much of an adventurer physically. Loved the quote – I guess I’m one who preferred the “safety attained” by watching others. I take lots of other kinds of adventures . . . tech, people, writing, learning new things. I love that! Blessings! Enjoy your grandson!
I was just talking with my friend about being adventurous, but in terms of whether to be more cautious, or never fear and live for the moment.
If you always fear, whether it’s regarding falling and hurting yourself, or stopping on the street to help someone, don’t you miss opportunities God puts in front of you? Where do you draw the line?
Always a discussion with my husband, especially since I opened the door to strangers the other day in need. I’ve always walked on the other side…with no fear. But then there is a Doberman and ‘heat’ nearby and I am saved. Maybe it’s time to be more cautious in this world we live in. “We are not in Kansas anymore.”
It’s hard to deal with joint problems–that’s for sure! Hope you’ll be feeling better soon.
My recent adventure was attending my son’s fraternity’s moms’ weekend. I had to meet all new people, just like I was back in school! But it was fun.