I find people so interesting.
I want to know them. I want to know why the curly-headed youngster next to me pops his knuckles nervously during takeoff, yet shows a toothy grin as he takes in the ever-shrinking ground below. I want to know what is in the backpack of the beautiful Asian girl next to me, and why she chose sparkly silver as her party nail color. I especially want to know why the guy I sat next to previously, a 55-year-old rapper named Mark, was crying for the duration of the flight. And why he wanted to get wasted before stepping aboard. And why he feels so much shame and guilt in front of God. And why wants a wife so bad. And so on and so forth...
I really think people are great. I discovered last Friday that I really enjoy when people dye their hair colors that aren't natural. And not as in the people who dye their hair the color of other peoples' hair, but the people who dye their hair colors that aren't natural to hair. Like blue and pink and purple. I actually want to give them a high-five. Maybe I just admire that they want something different out of life than the majority.
I like differences. I like opinions. I like variety. Flavor. Newness. I like change. I don't know what it is lately, but I've become intimate with a deep desire to never let myself settle in life. Whether that be marriage or work or dinner that night. If I had the choice between life and life abundant, I think I'd go with the latter. Rather, I know I would. Life is so much more abundant than Netflix and iPhones and Insta. And before the zero people reading this jump down my throat, those things aren't bad; they just can't be everything. A camera lens doesn't see life as beautifully as your eyes do.
I think that's the idea behind adventure with Jesus. Sure, that can include hiking and backpacking and exploring the deep, inviting woods. But sometimes adventure doesn't look like a flannel and waterproof boots. It may just mean saying no to the easy yes to the hard. Hitting "exit" instead of "play next episode." Adventure with Jesus means life abundant. It means seeing the world from a constantly evolving, higher perspective. There is a big, big world out there, and there are places in it where He wants to take us, mysteries He wants to unveil.
Let's not miss it, Love.
