Taking Risks

In my upcoming book, One Hundred Valleys, my heroine has never been a risk-taker, but when she is hit by an unexpected loss and the discovery of a father she didn't know existed, she takes a huge risk, one that puts her life in jeopardy.

I've always wanted to be the type of person who is not afraid to take risks. Through the years I've taken many, but sometimes it feels like I'm holding back. Maybe that's not a bad a thing. I want to be brave but I don't want to be foolish.

In recent months I've had a couple of situations that required me to take a risk. One had a good result and the other not so good. 

In January my husband and I set out for a winter vacation in Tucson, Arizona. Our son and his family traveled from France to meet us there. It was a glorious vacation. The Arizona weather was gorgeous, and the desert vistas were stunning.

We all stayed in a very nice and spacious condo. While we were there we sampled local cuisine, explored the natural beauty of the region and wandered through state parks. The time with our son and his family was special and fun. So good in fact, that we are already planning another vacation together.

So, what was the risk you might wonder. Traveling is something I love to do, but it is always a risk because of my physical disabilities and chronic pain. I never know how bad it might get. Travel is hard on me. During our vacation to Arizona my pain did make the trip more challenging, but it didn't ruin my good time. I'm so thankful I went.

More recently, just a week ago. I decided that attending a writers conference was worth the risk. I love getting together with other writers. To make it to the conference meant a 2 1/2 hour drive each way. Already hurting from the journey, the seating at the conference turned out to be the undoing of my day. Sadly, I had to leave early and headed home to the comfort of my bed and heating pad. No amount of pain medication would have gotten me through the day.

I was hugely disappointed and felt in some way that I had failed. Often in these situations the enemy swoops in with discouragement and accusation. I moped around for a day and a half, feeling as if I'd never get to take part in activities that I love.

That was a lie! And I'm not going to listen to it.

I can look at this experience as a glass half full or half empty. 

I choose half full. I did get to see many of my writing friends. I received and gave lots of hugs, and managed to fit in a few friendly conversations. I also got to listen to excellent presentations by speaker and writer Sarah Sundin. 

Some of you will likely have difficulty relating to the type of risks I face. That's okay. I want you to think about some things you see as risks in your life. How do you want to face them?

As for me - I am not going to give up. I will keep pushing forward. I will continue to take risks. 

How about you?

It's a beautiful thing to know that God will never abandon us. He will walk the journey of life with us. And when we face a scary challenge he will give us courage.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie