Science (non) Fiction

I think I need to take more risks.

(I’m sure this would get a resounding AMEN from my mother at this point, actually. So I’ll pause for that.)

I have never been much of a risk-taker - even as a kid, I think. I was never the one that went the highest up in the climbing tree, or that liked to speed around corners on roller skates (or later, roller blades), or that enjoyed having the older boys in the neighborhood take me on go cart rides careening through the streets. This has led to not liking roller coasters, or downhill skiing, or going too fast in cars.

And I think a lot of it comes down to me needing to have control over what’s going on with me and the things around me. If I don’t feel like I have control over my body when downhill skiing, for example, that removes all of the enjoyment from it, despite the adrenaline rush from the speed. And maybe that means that I just need more experience (and/or lessons), so that I do have a bit more control, but part of me feels like it’s the desire for control in the first place that’s the problem.

I know that I’m not ultimately in control of my life - that’s in God’s hands, and I can say that I trust Him with my life, but am I actually living that? Is my fear showing a lack of faith in God’s ability to rule my life?

(And this totally applies to things less physical than roller coasters as well. Like taking risks with relationships and telling people how I really feel. But that’s a whole other post.)

Now I’m not talking about sky-diving or base jumping or anything crazy. But I’m thinking I could use a little more ‘risk’ in my life. Maybe a roller coaster at the fair this week? or pulling out the roller blades for some roller derby-style racing? or heading up to Virginia for some downhill skiing when it turns chillier? I am open to suggestions for my risky-ness. What do you think?