The Time I Took a Risk and Landed at the Ocean

I did some silly things in my twenties and most of them I don’t regret.
One such decision involved an impromptu decision to drive to Florida during Memorial Day weekend. From Chicago.
When you ponder the logistics of that idea, you realize that two of those days involve driving and that leaves one whole day to simply enjoy time in the destination. Does that make sense?
Yes.
I am someone who tends to thrive in routine and predictability. My ennegram score is a one. Living spontaneously usually frightens me. But sometimes, it is necessary to challenge ourselves to live outside of our comfort zones.  I’ll admit, it’s a bit easier to embrace that challenge in the season of life when we are forming our adult identity and have no familial responsibilities. Yet, I am still reminded of the way that experience impacted my life and why it’s important to let go of the boundaries we place around ourselves that keep us from experiencing abundant life.
So, my roommate and I drove for 20 plus hours until we reached Pensacola, Florida.  Together, we talked, sung to the radio, experienced the diverse landscape and culture as we headed south. And then we landed. Right on the beach.
Never had I been to Florida. Never had I seen an Ocean. I will never forget the inaugural dip into the waves. The sun still shining brightly at 5:00pm.  A sense of euphoria and whimsy spiraled in my soul as I let the refreshing cool waves wash over my warm body. The salt seasoned my lips. The beauty and majesty of it all was captured by the camera in my mind.
This. is. real.
We camped overnight near the beach. Knowing that we had just 24 hours made the moments all the more savored.
Snorkeling, witnessing the hand crafted beauty of the creatures of the sea, observing the majesty of a geographical region different from my own-these experiences cannot be measured by any earthly value.
How grateful I am for the opportunity to explore the world outside of my comfort zone. I think of it often-not only the fond memories but what I learned when I trust God with decisions that call me outside of the space I think I can control. When we allow ourselves to push through those lines we draw for ourselves, we discover much about ourselves, God’s character, and the work of His hands.
When you have you taken a risk?
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