It was 1996 and little did I know at the time, but I was on the verge of one of the greatest moments of my young life. I stood beaming with pride as I boldly held up my right hand and recited my pledge. I had done it. At only 12 years old, I was an official Grand Canyon South Rim Junior Park Ranger! I had earned my Raven patch, and it was the achievement of a life time!
It may sound silly, but I still have that Raven patch stashed away with the other childhood keepsakes. In all reality, it’s a 75¢ patch that from a free program available to all kids visiting the park. But to me, it is one of the many items that symbolize something much greater from my childhood: Adventure.
When I look back, the moments that led me to my treasures are the moments I remember most. Arrowheads from camping trips. Sand-dollars from the beach. Unique rocks from the mountains. Gator teeth from swamp tours. Each item tied to an adventure. Every adventure was the source of a great memory. Those memories shaped who I am. It’s easy to understate the positive influence that adventure can have on a family growing together.
The Bible doesn't use the word "adventure" but it sure does embrace it! Abraham, Noah, Jonah, Daniel, David, Paul, and Jesus are all examples of God’s plan producing adventure.
We - as people - are born for adventure. We're meant to do things that challenge us. - Mike Tiemann
Now it’s common for people to pass off their fear as caution or anxiety as responsible thinking, but if you’re not careful, your main pursuit can become safety and assurance, not life and adventure. Jesus didn’t call His disciples to sign up for a risk free 100 nights at home money back guarantee monthly subscription of his newsletter— No, Jesus called His disciples to leave everything and follow Him. To put it another way, the Bible doesn’t say Jesus came to give us life more safe and secure… John 10:10 says Jesus came that we might have life, an might have it more abundantly.
Adventure can awaken your personal strengths and reveal God’s immeasurable greatness. In the midst of the risk, and when the unexpected inevitably happens, you as the leader of your family, get to model for your kids what it looks like to rely on God. You also get to leverage that unique opportunity to work together as a family. In our house it sounds like this : Teamwork makes the dream work! Your family may not be quite so cheesy, but there’s nothing more fantastic than hearing your kids say “lets work together.”
Encourage your kids to seek out and embrace adventure. Model for them what it looks like to move beyond fear (safety) and practice stepping into the unknown - God will be calling them there soon enough so teach them to trust Him now. And more likely than not, your family will grow closer together and have a lot of fun along the way. Be who God created you to be: An adventurer.
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