An adventure story
~ July 11, 2008 ~
Marie
After spending a year at school without much (or rather any) time for pleasure reading, it’s summer and I’m reading for fun again! This is one of the many things that I love about summer. It is the perfect time to learn and explore without mid-terms and finals haunting you.
The first book I picked up was Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Each time I opened this novel I was transported to 19th century Russia - a place very different from 21st century America. But even more striking than the difference in time and location was the fact that every character’s life was so much more dramatic, eventful, and captivating than mine! Now don’t misunderstand me, I definitely would not want to change places with any of Tolstoy mostly melancholy and often tragic characters. But reading the book did make me long for adventure and excitement.
This adventurous spirit seems to dictate most of my day dreams, and I often fall into the, “my life is so boring!” state. One day I was particularly distraught over my seemingly dull life and I decided to talk to God about it. I opened up my bible to John and read John 10:10, “I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” Wow! I finally realized a simple and beautiful truth - It doesn’t matter if I am watching my little siblings, sitting on my front porch, or traveling the world, if I’m doing it with Jesus, it’s an adventure!
He’s the one that fills my days with richness and meaning. Without him I’m just busy. Have you ever heard the old saying, “It’s not what you do but who you do it with that really matters?” Well that definitely applies here. I could live in a castle and have lots of drama in my life, but without Jesus, it would be a mundane and empty existence. He is richness, depth, fullness, and abundance, because He is all that truly IS. I just need to unite myself to Him and I can share in that fullness. The next time that boredom tries to steal away my happiness, I am going to remind myself of John 10:10. And after all, it’s great to be the daughter of a King. It’s quite the adventure!
-Marie
