Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore. –Psalm 16:11
My Mother was a cautious driver. She did not learn to drive until she was in her late twenties. I am not sure she ever broke the speed limit and rarely did she venture from her normal path of driving. She could easily navigate from home to the office, or from home to church or her favorite shopping destinations. She seemed quite content with staying in her small, comfortable range.
When I got my license to drive I saw it as an opportunity to explore the world beyond where my bike and my parents had previously taken me. My mom and I did not often see eye to eye on this approach.
The first time I asked if I could drive from Lawton to Oklahoma City my Mom quickly informed me about why she thought that was a bad idea. She told me how she had driven in Oklahoma City, but the last time she had she had a small accident. She had never driven in OKC again. Thankfully my Dad intervened and I was permitted to drive to the “city.”
I am so thankful for the many wonderful and amazing things my mom did for me and taught me. However, on this occasion I am thankful I did not heed her warning. Fear of a potential incident is terrible reason to never explore the possibilities that are in front of us. I have no doubt I was more careful, as not to prove my mother correct.
We are easily tempted to stay within our comfortable areas of life. Striking out on a new adventure can be intimidating. Often previous events in our life have negative impacts on our willingness to be adventurous. We are not a people destined to repeat our past. We should learn from our past only so that we may better experience the adventure that is found on the road we have yet to travel. When was the last time you left you comfortable area for a new adventure?
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
