“A Day of Discovery”

What is Columbus Day? Why is it relevant today?

Technically, it’s a celebration of Christopher Columbus’ day of discovering the Americas. In 1492, many new and beautiful lands were discovered by the European community. While I’m not going to delve into a history lesson (as my children collectively sigh), this day reminds us that a mindset of discovery leads to new opportunities. Might I actually expand that statement a bit to say that without discovering, we miss out on what’s already been prepared for us.

Listen for a moment…

“But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2
“I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:10-11 (The Message)

Is it possible that the yearning in our heart for discovery (the “more”, as Karla puts it) is simply to be that which we were made to be? But how do we know the difference between wanting more, as in a consumer, and becoming more, as in an investor. I must confess that there is a battle in my mind and heart for what I was meant to be versus what the world entices me to be.

It typically comes out in the ugliest forms in my parenting. Take for instance the 6 months of planning and discussion about our trip to the beach. In reality, the “talk” between Karla and I started 3 years ago. You see, she loves the beach, the sun, the waves, the sounds, and even the sand. Me, not so much. In fact, my con list started with the sand. My haven is in the mountains. So that’s where we’ve gone for the last 7 trips. But I was growing convicted about my preferences and cleanly tendencies. I realized that I was falling for a tidy and controlled vacation, something that I knew and that was predictable. I was standing in the way of Maya, Ada, and Carson from experiencing….YES, discovering!

Just look at them. It’s 6:00 a.m. and they are marveling over all of the life that is in the ocean. It’s not discovery in the sense that it didn’t exist before they arrived on the scene, but rather it’s discovering who God is in them; his creation, his untamed heart and perfect ways all rolled up in one. It is this heart of discovery that inspires us to search for the One who has established the pleasant places for us and who fulfills the promises in his inherent and immutable word, the Bible.

May we not settle for the counterfeit of this world. May we not grow muted in our hopes. It takes vision and discipline to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, but then all of the good stuff comes as we pursue and wait for our Reward. He is. It’s Jesus who is our reward. His presence and relationship. Let us have the courage to pursue His plans for us. Let us dare to seek purity for ourselves and our families. Let us take the narrow road of hope and forsake the wide path of despair.

I pray that Father would bless us with the eyes of wonder of 11 year olds. Go…discover.