As I reach the final week of my Sabbatical I can only give God thanks for the incredible privilege I have had to spend time exploring and experiencing so many new things. I realise that for most people this is not a possibility, but if you get the chance, take it!
It has been a great adventure, but this week I have begun to realise that the adventure doesn't end when I get back to the office, in fact I have sensed God's whisper asking me, 'Tim, when will the adventure begin?' No matter what I have done, seen or heard, no matter the people I have met, lived with, been inspired and been challenged by, there is still an adventure ahead and God continues to look for people who will go on it.
Most of you will know that I turned 50 this year and what a year it has been, in fact, what a life it has been. But I realise now that the adventure is getting more exciting, more challenging, more urgent. 'Tim, when will the adventure begin?'
This week I heard about Joshua Slocum who, at the age of 51 in 1895, became the first person to sail single-handedly around the world. It took him just over 3 years and he sailed 46,000 miles. When will the adventure begin?
There are so many examples of people who are my age and much, much older who have done remarkable - even stupid - things. There are people who have kept going when it was easier to quit, who have kept an ear open to God's whisper and responded obediently and people who have continued the adventure for the long haul. Bill Hybels started Willow Creek 35 years ago as a 20 something and is still going, Jackie Pullinger started her ministry at 22 years old 44 years ago, and is still going.
When will the adventure begin? Today is as good a day to start as any other.
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