This past week I’ve contemplated the need for adrenaline in life. Scientifically our bodies process is as follows: Norepinephrine and Epinephrine are stimulatory neurotransmitters, which mean that they stimulate or turn on something in the body- they work in the sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during periods of stress – it is known as the fight or flight system – meaning that we use it when we are in situations requiring fighting or running. This process has many effects on the body- for example, it increases our heart rates and blood pressure, while shutting down digestion and bladder functions during that brief period.
I’m currently on day seven of a ten day vacation in Alaska. Last week during port stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway I was able to suit up in rain gear and a helmet to pursue the adrenaline junky inside…
First we did a little adventure car riding. Kinda a little like off-roading on a Hummerized golf cart. My sister-in-law is modeling the required helmet and rain gear. Behind her is what we where driving.
My brother, sister-in-law, and I rocked it out in the trees for a two hour afternoon of ziplining! The longest zipline took about 30 seconds to get through.
I believe the day I got to climb and repel real rocks with my brother was my favorite. I hadn’t climbed real rocks in almost a year and it just felt really good to get to the top of two thrilling climbs…so the rain and cold-turning-hands-numb just added to the experience.
Helmets and raincoats one more time for a brisk horseback ride in Skagway. The scenery was magnificent, the scents fresh, the pace mellow, and the whole time was beautiful reflection on Him.
Spiritually, I’ve gotten a rude awakening that my life with the Lord is called to have similar, if not more, of that same excitement and adventure. Looking through my journal to find this quote from The Barbarian Way I caught glimpses of how faithful the Lord is to speak to me when I come to Him. It’s like a sweet surprising blessing to hear His voice, and I was humbly reminded that I cannot take a vacation away from my God. Since captured by His love, my heart will always long for this thrilling and intimate adventure.
From The Barbarian Way:
To have the Spirit of God dwelling within the heart of someone who chooses a domesticated faith is like having a tiger trapped within a cage. You are not intended to be in a spiritual zoo where people can look at God in you from a safe distance. You are a jungle where the Spirit roams wild and free in your life. You are the recipient of the God who cannot be tamed and of a faith that must not be tamed. You are no longer a prisoner of time and space but a citizen of the kingdom of God – a resident of the barbarian tribe. God is not a sedative that keeps you calm and under control by dulling your senses. He does quite the opposite. He awakens your spirit to be truly alive.
We’re world racers. Yes, we are crazy. You can say it because many other people have before. We seek adventure and challenge and expect risks to be there in order to see God more closely. For us “safe” becomes disappointing. “Safe” isn’t as thrilling. It is boring and brings no challenge or growth. Together with my WR team I anticipate changes in heart rate and blood pressure. So bring it!
