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Today is day #28 of the Great Loop adventure. And, yes it truly has been an adventure. We’ve seen landscapes, waterways, and sunrises not seen before. Met new Looper people we would never have crossed passed with in our regular, daily life.  Learned to go without embracing the basics of life.                                              

Let’s stop right here and look up the definition for the word adventure. Here’s what I found for the word adventure:

• Escapade
• Quest
• Journey
• Exploration
• Undertaking
• Exciting activity

Okay, I am kind of weird. I admit that, but keep tracking with me. I then went on to look up the word exciting. Here’s where the road may diverge for you as it did for me. Here’s a few definitions for the word exciting:

• Thrilling
• Exhilarating
• Stirring
• Stimulating
• Electrifying
• Inciting

That’s enough. I have felt all of those emotions and I haven’t even been on this trip for a month yet. What does that say about the trip? What does that say about me? I am not sure, but I’ll let you fill in the blanks. I’m just putting it out there for anyone else anticipating or planning such an adventure. It doesn’t even have to be the exact type of adventure we are involved with. When I think about the word electrifying, it does not bring up a positive connotation. Certainly not dull or boring, I’ll give you that much. More like scared to the point of wishing I were anywhere else but standing in my own shoes. Admittedly, I have felt that. Like when we said good-bye (don’t like that word, so I say: see you later) to my daughter and my friends. Those see you later words are so hard to say even though I know it’s only for a year, or in some cases, months until I see their smiling faces and hear their precious voices in person.

I go through this exercise to share with you my emotions hoping you, too, can relate. Even a simple day’s emotions can range from peace to utter chaos within a short period of time. From tears of sorrow and disappointment to tears of joy. Sometimes without any warning.

Then God gives me a verse to ponder. To hold onto and call my own: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence . This is a poignant reminder that He is approachable. He’s not a wizard that sits with a magic wand in never-never land occasionally swooping down to check on his created ones. The book of Hebrews describes this throne with the word grace (unmerited favor, mercy, or kindness). I like the thought of my Creator being available and that He is described with mercy and kindness. The verse goes on further to add that I can approach boldly and in confidence. I need not worry or fret; He’s got my whole life under control and in His competent hands—the Great High Priest.

What do I take away from this?

1. Approaching God and His throne is not reserved for nobility
2. No holding back; no reservations
3. He’s there for me anytime day or night
4. God may not take me out of the storm/trial, but He’ll ride through with me

God already knows all, so why do I hesitate to share my innermost feelings with Him?
Is there a deep fear you’ve been holding to? One you hesitate to share with anyone?

Reminds me of a tune I sang as a young girl called, Tell it to Jesus alone (words by Edmund S. Lorenz)

Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
He is a friend that’s well known
You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone

Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone