I don’t want to give up on this ‘adventure’ thing. I really don’t. Do you? Have you?

What author Harriette Arnow called ‘the happenchance of it all.’

Dr. Seuss’ motivational book, O, the Places You’ll Go! begins by saying:

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!

Where are you off to? What is God showing you this springtime? Are you dreaming dreams and listening for something specific? Am I?

I admit that many seasons I’m making plans to tear down my barns and build bigger ones to store the surplus (Luke 12:18), instead of giving it away.

And I’m discovering something already in my thirties:

Life is a whole lot less adventurous when I cling to what I think is mine.

God blesses the giving heart. He does. Every time. I can attest to that tenfold. Every thought (and corresponding action) I’ve had while working on a college landscape has been reflective of this topic.

If I act, and give, to students, event the difficult sessions: God moves and stirs my heart for each and every soul. Even if it’s giving away candy at the end of an hour.

But, if I act terse, and decide to give little, my resulting day is tarnished because of it. Not always noticeable straightaway, but traffic will be a little more backed up, or, my spirits in meetings will be a little lower. Something will just feel off.

And I’m reminded of Proverbs 16:3 which says if we commit our work to the Lord, he’ll establish our plans.

It doesn’t always mean a green light in rush hour traffic. But, even hurdles won’t seem so high. I love the voice of reason Dr. Seuss adds in this same book, saying:

You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest. Except when you don’t. Because, sometimes, you won’t.

Sometimes we simply won’t grow up to become President, or acquire tenure. And it’s okay. Because God has created you for the place, the time you’re now breathing and residing in. If you and I know one another, we can thank God for orchestrating it. If we haven’t met and you’re reading this, we might soon. I love that God—Creator of all things creative, made you and me for this day. Our only concern for this ‘adventure’ is to say Thank you and never stop dreaming, praying to be closer to the Source of it all.

Brian L. Tucker
Author