The Adventure Begins!
Steve Bolie of Clive, IA, USA
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. -Isaiah 11:1-3
I had planned a trip on Amtrak to Denver, Colorado, with a car trip into the Rockies with our eight-year-old grandson. It would be a two-day, three-night trip including nights on the train going and coming. We would rent a car in Denver and see tall mountains and go over high passes. We would overnight in Granby, Colorado, and drive through Rocky Mountain National Park.
As the week of the trip approached, the logistical details were becoming a bit of a nightmare. Would the train be on time or close enough for us to have our day trip and get to our hotel? How would we get to the car rental with our luggage? Would we be able to get the car returned and to the train in time? What if…what if?
The day of the trip came. In my journal that morning I wrote, “This is the big day; the adventure begins!” Suddenly, it dawned on me that this really was going to be an adventure, especially for Ryne, but for me, too. No matter what happened we were going to have a great time. We would view everything as an adventure no matter what. With this realization I quit worrying.
The adventure plan worked. The train arrived early. We rode public transportation easily to the car rental. Then we needed a McDonald’s for breakfast and a Walgreens for a camera memory card. This should have been easy, but we saw parts of the western suburbs that even long-time residents have never seen. All the time we kept saying to each other, “This is part of our adventure.” Finally, we found both destinations within a block of each other. Construction delays didn’t bother us. No air conditioning in our hotel just added to our adventure. Everything worked out.
Life as a disciple of Jesus Christ is a lot like this trip. When we rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance with a receptive, positive attitude we are equipped for the adventures that come our way.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Moving Toward the Peaceful One
As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? As we move through the Easter season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
