Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Time for an adventure? Yes please.

Have you ever thought to yourself: our children are young, and their lives are not really intertwined in the neighborhood yet, so let's take our selves out of our comfort zone and have an adventure. Pause before you take the first step of that adventure. Consider all the random and unforeseeable possibilities of this idea. Someone in your family could be bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, another may be bitten by a tick and contract Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, your apartment may have a mold problem that may or may not lead to multiple cases of pneumonia. You may also have to have your appendix removed while on your adventure. You may even add another mouth to feed, and though she may be a beautiful daughter, she isn't a good sleeper, and a fussy and demanding little princess.
Not that all of these things are bad, but they are somethings to consider. And it is true that some of them could still happen in your comfort zone, they make the adventure seem more like an adventure.

Now that you have reflected on things that you may not have considered, don't forget about the other side of the coin. Your children will become better friends, and develop regard (one step away from love) for one another. They will make new friends that come from many different backgrounds and parts of the world. You will have spiritual and doctrinal conversations with a complete stranger, and you will each walk away happy that you had the conversation, and strengthened in your faith. Not because you had to dig your heals in and defend your faith, but because the conversation was based upon the common understanding that God is our Father in heaven, and He loves all of his children.
Your children may also have new experiences in chasing and catching fireflies, and box turtles. They will be able to see a larger variety of birds, including owls, cardinals, storks, herons, and vultures tearing a part armadillo roadkill. They will also be able to go fishing and catch catfish, blue gill, sun fish, and large mouth bass.

There are a lot of things to consider, in addition to the financial, and living space, and other "grownup" "first world problems" that will come into the equation. But make sure that no matter what the decision is for that adventure, that you keep looking for one, and you are ready to start once the right one presents itself.

In conclusion I must add that the most important element to your adventure is your spouse. She / He will be your biggest support, and your most valuable foundational factor in your success on this adventure. Make sure that you say, often, that you are grateful for their support, and are amazed by the weight they are carrying. Don't worry, it won't be fake, it will be an honest and sincere.

Thought Dump

How many often do you have some many thoughts going through your head, that you don't know how to pick just one to stop and consider? An...