What comes to mind when you hear the word adventure?
An adventure, by definition, is “an exciting or a very unusual experience”.
That’s why adventures are often so impacting. When we step outside the routine of life, it creates an opportunity for all kinds of benefits:
- It gives us a break from thinking about all the distractions.
- It reminds us of the things that matter most.
- It provides us with a chance to rest.
- It engages our imagination.
- It can usher in a breakthrough.
- It helps us overcome a funk.
- It helps prepare for or debrief after a big undertaking.
- It opens us up to grow closer in our friendship with God.
The list goes on.
Call it an adventure, a day trip, a personal retreat, or what you will. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that Jesus himself made it a point to get away and be with God (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:10, 28).
Put It On The Calendar
Planning a one-day adventure with God requires intentionality. Like any special event, it helps to write it on your calendar a month in advance. Not only will this create anticipation, but it will help you plan everything else around it. By planning ahead and getting things done, you can protect that day from other competing opportunities.
Pick A Place
Depending on your location and circumstances (transportation, money, weather, etc.), your destination possibilities are many. If you’re at a loss for where to go, do some research online and ask your friends for ideas. These may include an old church building, a cabin, the beach, a park, or the mountains.
Prepare In Advance
- Depending on where you decide to go, it might help to print off some maps.
- Consider making a new music playlist.
- Buy whatever supplies you may need: food, batteries, etc.
- Unless you want to be in the sequel to 127 Hours, which is the movie about the guy who had to cut his arm off after being trapped under a rock while hiking, it might be a good idea to tell someone where you’re going to be for the day.
Push Yourself To Try Something New
Like taking a different route on the drive home from work, trying new things stimulates the mind and welcomes new experiences. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Read from a different translation of the Bible. For example, the New Living Translation or The Message.
- Experiment with different postures when you pray (laying prostrate, kneeling, sitting, standing, lifting hands, etc.).
- Spend some time writing in a journal (a letter to God; a poem or song; or hand-write a book of the Bible or the Sermon on the Mount).
- Listen to a dramatized audio version of the Bible (check out The Bible Experience on iTunes).
- Fast from food for the day.
- Select a theme for the day (intercession, confession, ministry, or a challenging issue or decision you’re facing).
- Pray through God’s Word.
- Memorize Scripture.
- Bring a chair to place across from you as a visual reminder that God is with you.
- Study something new (the names of God, or a specific word like justification, persecution, or joy).
- Or just plan to be spontaneous.
Pack What You’ll Need
- What you pack will depend on what you’ve planned. Here are some suggestions:
- Backpack
- Cash for tolls & parking
- Water bottles
- Journal
- Camera
- Batteries
- Bible
- Book/s
- Bible study workbook
- Sketch pad
- iPod
- Pillow & blanket
- Flashlight
- Snacks
- Sunblock
- Guitar
- Appropriate apparel
- Dog
- Kite
- Fishing pole
- Canoe
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IMAGE BY: ChelseaIsAPansy
