Aug
7
Written by:
host
8/7/2009 7:00 AM
A few weeks ago, I was exploring the website of Mary Anne Radmacher. In doing so, I came upon a poster that read, “in every journey may you ask…what is it you will be…a tourist or an explorer?” The words seemed to leap off the page (or the monitor, in this instance) and lodge themselves in my brain. They have been rattling around up there (exploring, I think!) and emerging once in awhile to get me thinking…
As I pray: Will I be a tourist, reciting the Lord’s Prayer each day without really thinking about it? Or will I be an explorer, boldly daring to develop a personal relationship with God?
As I read the Bible: Will I be a tourist, simply reading the words? Or will I be an explorer, interacting with the scripture, asking questions, discovering what the words meant when they were written and what they might mean today?
As a Christian: Will I be a tourist, going to church each Sunday to sit in the pew and be a spectator? Or will I be an explorer, seeking out opportunities to actively love my neighbor, asking “What would Jesus do?” and then following his example?
As I interact with others: Will I be a tourist, greeting those I meet with a friendly nod and a smile? Or will I be an explorer, entering into relationships with people I encounter, listening to their stories and sharing my own?
As I live my life: Will I be a tourist, busily rushing around to get everything on my to-do list accomplished? Or will I be an explorer, taking the time to open my eyes and really see the world, paying attention to God’s messages that are all around me?
What is it that you will be…a tourist or an explorer?
~Sally Hoelscher