Today we celebrated 32 years of marriage. We spent the day together shopping, watching a movie at the cinema, eating and just spending time in each other’s presence. The past 32 years have been a journey.
There have been wonderful times together travelling the world, seeing the sights of Europe, the USA and Asia, and experiencing different cultures. There have been challenging times, like when I've been sitting in the hospital and seeing Dayle injured after falling from her horse. There have been times of disagreement when we have rubbed each other the wrong way. There have been days like today when we enjoyed each other’s company.
One of our stops today was the local library, where Dayle picked up a book for her upcoming work trip. While there, we also selected a book of poetry. This is not something either of us would normally choose. We headed out of the library to the local coffee shop, where we read certain poems to each other. We had a few chuckles as we adapted them to each other, attempting to be romantic – well, I did anyway. What we discovered is that poetry reading is probably not our thing.
What I loved about the experience was that we stepped out and did something different. It was spontaneous, a little corny, but good fun. After 32 years together, we felt safe enough to try something different because we knew it was a loving space.
As I reflected on this experience, it reminded me of our Heavenly Father. He is much bigger and can do much more than we can think, dream or possibly imagine (Eph 3:20). There is so much more to God than we have experienced. One of Dayle’s favourite verses, which I am sure you have read if you have been following her blog for a while, is John 10: 10. This verse tells us that Jesus came to give us abundant and full life. To live a full life, I think you need to try and experience new things. There is so much God has given us here on earth and so much in our Heavenly Father that we have yet to experience. We are talking about the God who created the universe – that is a lot of creativity.
As a father, I want my children to experience all life has to offer. As much as it is, my love for my kids is small compared to the love our Heavenly Father has for us. If I desire my wife and children to have full, abundant lives, our Heavenly Father desires it so much more. The great thing is that He is a safe and loving space to try new things out. God has experiences and abundance beyond what we can measure; all He asks is that we walk in a relationship with Him. As we journey with God, He increases our capacity to experience more. Sometimes this pushes us out of our comfort zone (like reading corny poetry), and some of these experiences we will not want to do again because it is not our thing. What’s important, however, is that we are seeking to grow and expand who we are by continuing in our relationship with God and having new experiences. These help us understand how big our God is and how much He has for us.
My challenge today to you is twofold. Firstly, are you walking with Jesus, spending time each day in prayer and reading the Bible, and growing in your relationship with Him? Secondly, are you stepping out and trying new things? It does not have to be anything radical (though if that is what you want, then go for it). It can be as simple as reading poetry or trying out a new hobby.
Take a chance today and try something new. Make a plan to do something different this week. You may find you like it, and your life becomes richer for it.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you have given us an abundance of life to experience and enjoy and that you desire to have a relationship with me because you love me. Help me to be all you made me to be, and that my life will glorify you. In Jesus name. Amen
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