Sermon On Wonderment & Adventure

Helen Keller, an American author once remarked: “Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” Acts 2:22 reminds us: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.”

Wonderment is defined as a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar. It can include the emotions of awe, passion, reverence and astonishment. It not only relates to the mature experiences in life that some adults would love to encounter, if only they had the enterprise or courage, but also the child-like escapades that can reflect youth. There is often a deep-routed fascination for life that abounds in most children, but sadly lacking in certain adults.

It has been noted that one of the key factors to remaining youthful includes regular exercise. This helps to maintain good bodily blood flow and usually improved heart life. However, children are mainly considered to be more adventurous and active than most adults. With maturity comes increased responsibility and less chance of adventure away from the norms of day-to-day living. This may, in its way create a feeling of contentment. However, Sadhguru, an Indian yoga guru and a proponent of spirituality warns: "Contentment is a poor substitute for joy. It means you have given up on the possibility of living joyfully." Ecclesiastes 11:9 confirms: Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

Unless adults have a sincere determination to remain young for as long as possible, they will probably continue to age at the same rate as everyone else. The important factors that may help impede this natural process include one's outlook on life. Maintaining a curious streak, conserving a youthful existence, wishing to explore, and not remaining content about life, in general, may all significantly help to retain and preserve the advantages of youth. 1 Timothy 4:12 reminds us: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

Static fairgrounds and the host of attractions contained within, have been in existence for years. They date back to the 18th Century and are considered places that can provide elements of excitement, awe, wonderment, thrills, or a sense of acceptable fear for many. They include such present-day rides as "The Caterpillar", "Ferris Wheel", "Dodgems", "Cake Walks", "Waltzers", and of course "Roller Coasters." Each ride provides its individualistic level of exhilaration or trepidation. Traveling fairs, which operate for a few days at a time in certain areas before moving on, and are formulated on a much smaller scale, also serve a valuable purpose.

There is an acroamatic saying that: “Life is what you make it.” Hunter Stockton Thompson, an American journalist and author once remarked: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Life consists of many roads of differing lengths and challenges, that are open to all. Which ones we choose to travel along, depends largely on our in-built sense of adventure. We will often experience different situations along a chosen path. These may incur feelings of astonishment and awe from the unexpected.

Although courage often forms part of the final decision adopted, fear should never deter the instigation of the exploit. Joshua 1:9 confirms: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

For some children, fairgrounds can not only provide a temporary elation that satisfies certain dreams for a specific trial or new adventure, but they can also instill a long-term passion for the unknown. For these, adult life may be more exhilarating. 1 John 4:18 reminds us: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

Fairgrounds can provide a foundation stone and a yearning to experience new or untried adventures in later life. If we fear the unknown, then we may become hindered or restricted in life. Doors shut before us and we could be subjected or constrained to a mundane lifestyle. If we don't seek an element of adventure or excitement in life, then we may never travel far and as a result, regret our actions when the doors of life eventually close permanently on us. Life is for living is a phrase that emphasizes the importance and true value of life. It has long been considered that we should always make the most of it while we can, because no one can foretell what the future will bring.