Adventure

The early afternoon sun sparkled through the leaves in the woods as the four siblings walked along the creek. It's a hot August day near the banks of the Missouri river. The children started out from their grandparents' farm after a short visit. Walking from the house, crossing under the barbed wire fence and across the field of timid cattle.  
None of them thought of bringing food or anything to drink.  So, they are thankful for the cool flowing water of the creek. Shoes and socks are removed, so that they can relieve their hot feet and better search for treasures in the stream. Pebbles of different colors and shapes are valued. The children are elated whenever someone finds a small fossil of ancient sea life. The stones are carefully washed in the creek, examined and shoved into pockets. 
After the children have been walking and exploring for some time they become unaware that awhile back they crossed their grandpa's property line into someone else's land. The adventure of discovering new territory is what currently consumes there minds, the fact that they are trespassing isn't even considered. 

Eventually the siblings come to the edge of the woods. As they step out of the shade and into the brilliant sunshine, they realize they are standing on a dirt road. The four of them follow the road and discover that it leads to a set of railroad tracks and beyond them is the Missouri river. Although tall grass and weeds hide the view of the river. The conversation goes something like this: "I wonder how far the river is from here." 
"Wouldn't it be cool if a train went by right now?"
 "Hey I heard if you put a penny on the tracks, a train will smash it flat". "Cool, we should try that next time." 

As they continue to explore, an old rusty mail box is discovered. The name on the box can barely be read.  The children soon realize the box has to belong to a house and  it must be at end of the dirt driveway. All four siblings look at each other with the same thought running through their minds: A new adventure, Let's go!"
Slowly & quietly the four follow the dusty road. As they reach the end they're not disappointed, because there standing before them is a dilapidated old house. Everyone was thinking the same thing: "Is someone inside?" Fear rushes through each of them.  One of the children turns to run and the others quickly follow. At a safe distance from the house, they begin whispering to each other. "I'm sure it's abandoned, no one would be living in that shack!" 
"Yeah, but remember what Mom said about bums who jump off the train? Maybe there is one in there now!" 
All of them were curious and shared a burning desire to go back and at least peek into the broken windows. So, the consensus is made to take another trek up the road. Quietly and even more slowly this time; the four of them creep back up the hardened dirt path. Just as they near the house, one sibling changes her mind and flees. The others the follow her back to the edge of the road and into the sunshine.
All of them are breathing heavily by now, when one asks, "Why did you run?"
"I thought I saw something moving inside!"
"What?!"
"No, you didn't. It was your imagination. I didn't see anything. Did you guys?"
"No"
"Me neither"
The bravest one says, "C'mon" and starts back up the road, the other three trailing behind. The group gets closer this time, even taking a step onto the rickety porch. Suddenly one turns and sprints down the drive. The other three scurrying after her, stopping again near the mailbox. "I heard breathing!" 
"Really?! 
"I think so."
"No one can't hear breathing from that far away!" 

With adrenalin pulsating through their bodies, their minds race with the thrill of the adventure. Everyone's curiosities are peaked. All of them want to know what's inside. 
Again they sneak up the drive, eyes peeled, straining their ears. All four of them make it onto the porch this time. Mustering every bit of bravery she has, the brave one pushes open the door. It creeks loudly. "Hey, anybody here?" She says in a quiet tone. The children all hold their breath anxiously waiting and prepared to make a dash for it at any second.  A few moments pass. Nothing is heard, except for the breeze moving through the trees. 
The siblings creep inside the four room shack. As their eyes adjust to the dark house, they find the place in shambles. The dimmed sunlight through the filthy, cracked windows reveals this scene: The floor is covered with old newspapers and calendars. Wall paper is faded and peeling. What little furniture there is, is falling apart or already broken. Dust and cobwebs cover everything.
The children make their way past the living room and into the kitchen. They are surprised to find some food and spices still in the cupboards. Feeling more relaxed now, each one takes a different area to explore. "Look at this!" "Cool!" Hey, come here, look at what I found!"

 All concept of time is lost. At least an hour passes, before anyone suggests that maybe they should head home. On their way back through the woods, they discuss the adventure, re-living every moment. Each takes a turn telling their version. The children laugh at themselves for being so afraid of the empty the house in the beginning. All four siblings feel a sense of satisfaction and contentment. Ties are strengthened from sharing this experience. 

My opinion is that part of being human is to desire adventure. It's not just for men, but also for women and children. Something about it makes us feel alive. 
I suspect that our Maker put this desire in us. He wants us to seek Him. 

"God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us." ~ Acts 17:27

The best way to get to know God and to better understand him is to read his Word. I've been doing that for over 35 years now. And I'll tell you, that no matter how many times I've read the same passages, His Spirit uncovers truths for me that I wasn't aware of before. Often times the Spirit sheds light on a familiar verse in a new way.  God, himself never changes, but instead as we get to know Him better, we are changed. Our Father is so incredible and amazing. He is the greatest adventure that we will ever discover. 
An adventure that we can follow for our entire lives.