Man vs. World

Looking for adventure?

Christian doctor and philosopher Paul Tournier, author of The Adventure of Living, suggests that ‘the great impulse toward adventure is peculiar to every man’.

The desire for a new chapter in his ‘adventure of living’ has taken our deputy editor Hayden Shearman overseas for a few months. He and wife Charlotte have just completed the epic Chicago Marathon. Definitely a bucket-list-worthy achievement!

Of course, we don’t have to head offshore as Hayden has—or as Andrew Strugnell (the subject of this issue’s feature) did—to have a great adventure. Adventures are encountered throughout life: a new job, getting married, being a parent, working toward a health or fitness goal, entering retirement. So many human experiences can be looked upon as adventures: a challenge is before us, the outcome is uncertain, a measure of commitment is called for, and the normal we’re used to has to be left behind.

But which adventure are we to take? The choice of every ‘worthwhile’ project implies the ‘courageous renunciation’ of many other ‘possible’ projects, says Tournier. He suggests that the question about what is a ‘worthwhile adventure’ can be formulated like this: ‘Is my little personal adventure in harmony with the great adventure of God?’ and ‘Am I experiencing in my little adventure, a part of the great adventure of God?’

Any adventure comes with an element of risk, which is why the quality of companionship we enjoy along the way is crucial. One of the significant challenges of Andrew’s overseas experience was that he made his journey alone, which deepened his sense of God’s companionship.

I pray you’ll know the close companionship of Jesus as you undertake your little and large adventures in life. In Jesus you have a friend who wants the best for you and who offers to make the best of you. If you will let him.

Major Christina Tyson

Bible Verse

Matthew 6:33 Contemporary English Version
‘Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.’

Matiu 6:33
‘Engari mātua rapua tona rangatiratanga, me ana mea tika; ā ka tāpiritia ēnei mea katoa mā koutou.’