The Great Adventure

Our pregnancy was not exactly a planned event. We were still young, and somewhat unsure of whether we were ready to expand our family. Yet when my wife and I first found out that we were going to be parents, there was a certain amount of calm inside me. Almost as if I expected it. Perhaps it was me knowing, how much my wife loved kids... and thus I was already prepared for the inevitable. Whatever the case, since the pregnacy stick first showed a positive reading, we've started to slowly prepare ourselves for the next step. Family... the heritage of Children, and the commitment of a Godly marriage and family is something I feel so strongly about, and something I'm passionate to see not only in my own family but in others as well. At the end of my time here on earth, I believe my children will serve as evidence, as a sign of the legacy and purpose that I will leave here on earth. It motivates me and inspires me to commit to parenthood as God so desires.

Having said that, there are certain things that still scare me about parenthood. Things that I will inevitably cross paths with but will never truly know until I do. As a parent, they say you realize how selfish you used to be (same for marriage I think). At that moment, the world does not revolve around you, but instead, your childs world revolves around you. And you are forced to give in ways you never have before. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. At birth, human infants are more helpess than any other newborn in the animal kingdom. And because humans need in depths greater than animals, on levels beyond just the physical, the parent must give in order for the child to not only survive, but thrive. I speak in extremes to make a point, as it is not to say that parents become slaves to their children. Still, it is fair to say, that sacrifice of self is a big part of becoming a parent.

Growing up, one of my most favorite movies was Indiana Jones. The idea of a great adventure, somewhere out there to be discovered and conqured... captured my young imagination. And till this day, freedom, adventure, discovery, and conquring strike a strong chord in my heart. I mean, I'm not going to throw on a cape and hop on a horse searching for adventure, but figuratively speaking, adventure naturally resounds within mens hearts. I am greatful for the stability that we have here, and the fortuate circumstances for my family. Yet sometimes I wonder if becoming a parent means sacrificing that part of me. The dream of adventure and something great out there. It is not any one thing that I am hesitant to give up as I cant pinpoint one thing that I wouldn't for my family. Yet, in me wanting to give everything for my family, I wonder if that requires sacrificing MY great adventure. Some selfish, others more selfless and a small bit noble. In a few short weeks, I may feel differently about this, with new perspective, as I meet my son for the first time. This is another reason why I wanted to blog before hand as well...

One of my favorite... probably my favorite Christian Artist is Steven Curtis Chapman. There are a few songs where Chapman likens the Christian walk with a Great Adventure. It presents the Christian faith with mystery and intrigue, with adventure and purpose. Yet sometimes, as Christians.. it seems anything but an adventure. Life is a grind and adventure is replaced with a monotonous practice. Especially within the confines of society... to work 9-5, to climb the ladder and join the rat race. As men, it is part of the curse we endure as Adam willingly listened to Eve and ate from the Tree. To toil in our labor to provide for our families. In some ways, it robs us of our natural desire to dream big, as we are all made in the image of God. I dont mean to depress or cause discontent, as I do believe that it is important to accept and embrace our circumstances and not let it affect our ability to raise the banner of Jesus within our own lives and ministries. Yet we also live in societies structures, expectations, and norms that as a result of our curse, sometimes rob us of a deep need to dream BIG for God.

I'm convinced that this desire to dream, helps us not only in our search for God, but in fulfilling our purposes for God. So while a part of me feels like I'm giving up some dreams to become a parent, another part of me also thinks that this is just the start to another adventure.

"And now for the dreamers, and those who have dared to believe, The flames call us deeper into the great mystery"
"This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure"
-Steven Curtis Chapman