Go Beyond

I met my friend and fellow adventurer Bill Crenshaw for breakfast earlier this week. Whenever Bill and I get together it only takes minutes before we start talking about adventure. Earlier this year, Bill and Doyle and I thru-hiked the 100-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail. We absolutely enjoyed our backpacking trek through some of the most magnificent scenery in Texas. But we also enjoyed all of the preparation. Before we ever took our first steps on the trail we spent lots of time testing equipment and preparing ourselves physically on some shorter routes.

The past several months have been some of the busiest for me with more than twenty-five local initiatives, some international travel, numerous speaking engagements, and a writing assignment for LifeWay Christian Resources. Bill’s schedule has been equally demanding. The bottom-line is that we both find ourselves in need of an adventure — even if only for a few hours. It’s amazing how doing something outdoors for even a short time can satisfy that inner yearning for an adventure.

Bill and I discussed a few options for some short-term and affordable adventures in the coming weeks. We both keep an adventure bug-out bag packed and ready to go. But, because we each only had a few discretionary hours this week, we decided to head out to Bill’s ranch in Cat Spring for a cold weather adventure. The big plan for the morning was to arrive early, build a big fire, and exhaust ourselves moving brush and branches to a burn pile. And that is exactly what we did. It may not seem like a big deal, but it was a big deal. These are the kinds of little things that scratch the adventure itch and help bridge the gap between bigger adventures.

When it comes to adventure you don’t always have to go far to have one. Whether its riding my mountain bike on bayou trails from my house to George Bush Park, hiking the trails at Brazos Bend State Park, canoeing on the San Marcos River, or hauling dead tree branches to a burn pile in Cat Spring, it all matters. And it all helps. These local and affordable adventures are like a soothing and healing balm to my restless soul. They refresh me.

A good friend shared something with me earlier this week that resonated with me and encouraged me. He told me that he has been so busy that he comes home exhausted, “with only my pilot light lit.” He prayed and asked God to be a Father to him through this period. Encouraged by some of my blog posts on engaging in local adventures, he headed to Stephen F. Austin State Park with his kids for a biking adventure. It was just the medicine he needed. His kids ended up having a terrific time. They made special memories together. And he came home refreshed and glad that he took the time to get away.

I encourage you to live adventurously. If you seldom get outdoors, then break your routine and break a sweat. Build affordable adventures into your life. Buy yourself a hydration pack and go on a hike. Get your bike out of the garage and go for a ride. Get your camera, get in your car, and get lost on Texas backroads and stop along the way to take lots of pictures. Do something that will refresh you, make you take deep breaths, and put a smile on your face. You may need an adventure more than you realize.