I wanna go!!!

In the fall of 2009, I was blessed with the privilege to have some time away from work to travel. I got to go lots of great places and do lots of great things. On every single journey I prepared for I inevitably had someone tell me or text me or message me and say “I wanna go!!!”

Usually the "wanna" was as far as it got. Most of my friends, family, acquaintances, etc. had lots of legitimate reasons that they couldn’t actually pack up and leave.

I was, however, fortunate to find friends to travel along with me -- some physically going along & others following along online -- The experience was amazing and I have incredible memories & more photos than you can imagine to help me remember those blessed & beautiful days.

Another thing I have from my travels is a knowledge about going places. I know how to pack more efficiently than I ever thought I could -- roll your clothes not fold them & bring lots of things that mix and match.

I know the exact routine that must be followed in every major airport for the obligatory pat down I get when the artificial parts I possess set off the metal detector -- sit down, show the bottom of your feet, stand with your arms out and your palms up, explain as they run the black wand over your body exactly what metal it is they are detecting, roll down your waist band, keep your eyes out for your bag and shoes coming off the conveyor belt AND always try to smile and say thank you to the people who have just touched you more than anyone whose name you don’t know should ever really be allowed to.

I know about switching planes and looking for luggage. I know about hailing a cab & about how nice it is to have a concierge who keeps Tylenol in his jacket pocket and a ready supply of advice about the nearest, best restaurants within easy walking distance. I know a lot of things I didn’t know about the country I live in, the people I share the world with, the things I have seen, and I know a lot more about myself because of my journeys. I also know that God went with me every place I went.

And I know that the people who travelled along with me (even if only online) were always anxious to GO!!! I still get anxious to go some times. I still want to see the world and not just the inside of my home or the horizons I’ve looked at so many times before...BUT...not every season is a time for travel in our lives AND yet, I believe that God is always looking to take us on a new journey.

The journey I am on now is not the one where I walk the busy streets of New York City or stroll along the banks of Walden Pond. It’s not the journey where I stand in front of the Green Monster at Fenway or sit below the feet of the statue of Lincoln and look across toward the Washington Monument. Those journeys were good journeys. They were an escape from the every day life I led...BUT...those journeys all had to come to an end.

The journey I am on now begins anew each morning and lasts my whole life through. On my other journeys I flew, I rode subways, I walked, I survived taxi rides, I rode tour buses and even a bus that was a “duck” that operated as well in the water as on land. The journey I am on now is walking trip. It requires me to take new steps, scary steps, big steps and small steps, steps I am afraid to take and steps I know will take me to incredible places if I follow the map God has for me. I am on a journey now AND I am walking out my faith.

Maybe you feel the need to get away. Maybe a trip to DC or NYC or even just down the road to Balmorhea sounds like just what you need AND maybe it is...BUT... maybe the trip you need to take is just a step in the direction toward a God who loves you and has a journey in store for you that you will never forget.

This journey doesn’t require a ticket, a pat down at the airport, hotel reservations, transportation to and from airports and train stations, or any planning on your part at all. Sounds relaxing, rejuvenating, exciting, huh? It is... It’s also scary and challenging and different and difficult at times. It may require you to leave your comfort zone and step out boldly into the complete unknown. The great thing about this trip is that no matter where it leads you, you will never be alone.

Looking to get away, to see new things, to experience people & places in brand new ways, to enjoy activities you never knew you could, to know new things about yourself & life and to truly appreciate all there is to see in the world. A trip, a journey, an excursion, an adventure that and all those things is waiting for you & waiting for me -- All we have to do is get excited about going AND take God’s hand -- He can take us anywhere!!!

Maybe your a little nervous about this trip. I know I am...BUT... I also know... “I wanna go!!!”

PS...Not all the blogs from here on out will deal with travel or with journeys...BUT...they will all deal with my walk with God, what I believe He is teaching me, what I believe He wants me to share with you & my simple observations & my occasional tribulations and the inspirations & exaltations of the best traveling partner ever, the King who calls me friend & who is my God. I don’t imagine that I will likely ever post 2 blogs in one day again & frankly, I will be happy if God gives me words I feel are what I need to share weekly. BUT, I am planning on talking about my flaws and failures and struggles and strife AND how despite all that I know that God is leading me on a meaningful & magnificent journey through life! One He’d like to take you on too. Wanna go???