Risk

As a mom of three boys, I have learned that God has created every little boy with a desire for adventure. When my boys were little, they were always performing stunts like they were the star in an action movie. They would fearlessly run, jump, slide, and roll everywhere they went despite my warnings to be careful. Every day gave them another chance to push the limit, take a risk, and explore something new.  

On one of our family vacations, we took them to the Grand Canyon. They were in absolute awe, and they wanted to see how close they could get to the edge. This was terrifying to me! Questions like “What if they were to fall?” and “What if they slipped?” ran through my head. If I had any doubts, I knew then that my boys were craving an adventure to live. 

I believe God made my boys this way as a reflection of who He is. The Bible shows us that God loves adventure and has taken great risks. For example, I would argue that the greatest risk God ever took was when He sent His son Jesus to die for our sins. He gives us the choice to choose the greatest gift ever given and runs the risk that we might not choose to accept Christ. 

My middle son is 18 and about to embark on the biggest adventure of his life. He is heading to Mexico all by himself to preach the Gospel to those who do not know Jesus. When he first told me what God was calling him to do, my initial thought was, “That is not safe. That is too risky.” God quickly reminded me that He has not called my boys to play it safe. He has called them to take risks. It’s my job as their mom to support them in their calling, not hold them back because of my fear. 

God used moments like the one at the Grand Canyon to help me realize that, with every small adventure, He has been preparing my boys for their greater adventure for the Kingdom. It’s my privilege to support them as they go and tell those who haven’t been reached about the choice they have to choose Jesus and live their own adventure.