As I reflected upon my life, I realized just how blessed I
have been and still am to check off so many items from my bucket list: skydived
in Buenos Aires, Argentina, hiked the Incan Trial to Machu Picchu, Peru; skied
at the edge of the world in Ushuai, Argentina; stared down a lion on a safari
in Masai Mara, Kenya; zip-lined through the forests of Changmai, Thailand; etc.
I really have so many incredible memories that I cherish. However, I do not
write about these memories in order to brag of my stories but in order to
illustrate a point: the rewards that I received were purely selfish. There is a
song entitled “The Hurt”. Essentially, the song declared, “You can have my
empire of dirt,” which inferred the point that the writer had strived so hard
for something that was of no significance. When his life was over, all of those
possessions and all of those selfish desires, would “go back in the box”.
Donald Miller, author of A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, explained that in
order for a story to reach an epic level that it needs to offer a benefit to
others. It needs to be about more than just excitement. It needs to be about
leaving a legacy, a legacy that advances the kingdom of God. Although I would
never pass up an opportunity to do something adventuresome, I have recently
been encouraged to find a purpose behind all of my actions. Live an epic story
of a lifetime by living an adventurous life for others. I may have a movie that
is exciting with all of my adventures but would it win an Oscar in the eyes of
the Lord?
