Yesterday was a big day for a lot of campers, including my 8 year old son. For many young boys and young girls yesterday was the beginning of a never before experienced adventure. For many of them this is the longest they have been away from mom and dad without having a family member near by. For others this is the first time spending a significant amount of time in a place that does not have a Wii or Xbox on every wall. Through this adventure they will learn to trust, stretch, and explore in ways they never have before. But more surprisingly yesterday it was the parents, in large part, that were as nervous as the notorious “cat on a hot tin roof.” For many parents the idea of sending a kid to camp for a week is too far out of their comfort zone. Many families in order to avoid this discomfort will never even consider the idea, as it would cause them much grief and many sleepless nights, while little Johnny or Susie is away.
But here is my concern. We as parents can far too often model for our kids a lifestyle that is full of caution and restraint. The idea of stepping out into an adventure or doing something that has not been done before is crippling. Though all of these parents at one time themselves shoved off into the unchartered waters of parenthood the thought of encouraging their children to have an adventurous spirit is not even considered. So the call to action: Parents as we live our lives may we demonstrate to our children a desire to explore what God has surrounded us with. His creation is wonderful and is intended to be explored. God has told us that we are His and we know He is faithful so move out of your comfort zone and into His blessings. When an opportunity to talk someone new arises jump on it. When a chance to go somewhere you have never been comes up, go. When an opportunity to live in a place where God’s blessing is needed everyday enjoy His provision.
Whatever we do may our kids see us as Adventurers.
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