“You’ll shoot your eye out kid.” The classic and heartbreaking reply and warning given over and over to poor little Ralphie in A Christmas Story at his unrelenting bequest for a glorious Red Ryder BB gun. Now, I know we’ve effectively moved on from the Christmas holiday and into the new year, but hey, this hotel I’m at has a Christmas tree still up, so I think it still qualifies. Anyway, while this amazing holiday classic contains oodles of awesome antics, the story centers around Ralphie’s goal of finally acquiring that one special gift. However, those with Ralphie’s protection in mind were, probably very justly concerned about his safety. I mean, a little kid who gets his tongue stuck on a pole is probably much better off, safety wise, with pink footie bunny pjs. BUT, that BB gun was the much better and much cooler present. It was the prize that was worth the risk. Ralphie was told over and over about the danger he would be placing his eyes in, but it meant nothing compared to the magnificence of owning such a treasure.
As I sit here in this hotel, miles from home, about to get exponentially farther away and to embark on a journey which, safety and comfort wise, on many different levels, is dangerous, I am convinced that like Ralphie and his BB gun, the best things involve some kind of risk. While we are programmed to do all that we can to avoid risks to our wellbeing, I don’t think that’s the way we are supposed to live our lives. Jesus definitely did not live a safe life and neither did the apostles. The best of life and intimacy with our creator comes, I believe, when we have to depend on God. This upcoming year, I’m going to be leaving the insanely safe confines of Boiling Springs and Robbins, NC to go to some admittedly pretty sketch places. But the risks involved are nothing compared to the reward of insane growth in Christ and being a part of the work of God in these places that desperately need the hope found in Jesus. While there is a chance of shooting my eye out in this crazy endeavor called the World Race, boy do I believe that the promise of a Red Ryder BB gun is way beyond worth it. I am so excited about the year ahead. The Race has officially started.
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd
