Time for Adventure

Time for Adventure and Facing Fears

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Turning 50 this year feels like standing at the edge of something big—equal parts exciting and a little terrifying. If you’ve ever hit a milestone birthday, you know that mix: gratitude for how far you’ve come, a quiet ache for the years that flew by, and this quiet whisper asking, “What now?”

For so long, I let fear call the shots. Fear of failing, fear of what others might think, fear of stepping out when life already felt full (and sometimes overwhelming). I’d say no to things that sparked joy because “what if?” always won out. But something is shifting as 50 approaches. Maybe it’s the wisdom that comes with half a century of living—laughing through the chaos, crying through the hard seasons, and seeing God show up faithfully every single time. Or maybe it’s just that I’m tired of playing small.

So, I’m choosing brave.

And what better way to kick off this new chapter than with an adventure? My amazing sister has planned the trip of a lifetime: a group getaway to London with a bunch of incredible women. Just us, exploring cobblestone streets, sipping tea in cozy cafés, wandering through historic sites, and making memories that don’t come with a side of daily responsibilities. When she first told me about it, I almost laughed—me, hopping on a plane across the ocean for my birthday? But then I looked at that fresh passport photo (you know the one—awkward lighting, forced smile, but hey, it’s official!), and it hit me: this is happening. This is my “yes” to the new thing God is doing.

I won’t pretend it’s all smooth sailing. There are still battles ahead—health stuff to navigate, old habits to break, and the daily work of becoming whole in body, mind, and spirit. Healing doesn’t always look pretty or happen on my timeline. Some days I’ll probably wonder if I’m really cut out for this “abundant life” thing. But I’m not facing any of it alone. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds me of that truth when doubt creeps in), and He’s already making streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:18-19). I don’t have to have it all figured out—I just have to take the next step, trusting Him one foot in front of the other.

This trip to London isn’t just a vacation; it’s a declaration. I’m ready to explore the beautiful world He created, to laugh louder, to try new things (even if it means getting lost on the Tube or attempting to sound sophisticated while ordering “fish and chips”), and to thrive in ways I haven’t before. I want to soak in the history, the energy, the friendships—and come home changed, a little more free.

If you’re reading this and you’re in your own season of transition—maybe staring down a big number, or just feeling stuck—can I encourage you? It’s never too late to say yes to brave. Let go of what was (the regrets, the “should haves,” the old fears), and look for the new thing God is springing up right in front of you. He’s been good and faithful through every chapter so far, and He won’t stop now.

Here’s to 50. Here’s to adventure. Here’s to trusting God and living abundantly—one step, one passport stamp, one new morning at a time.