Quiet Adventures

 

On a recent overcast morning, it was strange to see this little cloud within a cloud floating above the rooftops. Its elongated shape was distinct against the grey sky. It looked like a small version of the Hindenburg or some other airship of old. Silently it navigated the neighborhood as I walked the streets. It seemed so peaceful and calm. I imagined buying a ticket and hopping on board, curious to find the destination for which it was headed. I would travel in the silence with no schedule to keep, no particular place to be. It would be a quiet and solitary adventure.

We tend to think of adventures solely in terms of excitement and size. Big. Loud. Dangerous. Thrilling. And many adventures should be described exactly in such terms. But we should also be open to adventures that are experienced differently. Reflection and meditation can be an adventure as we discover new things about ourselves. Reading and study can transport us to other worlds and other times, all in the quiet of our room. Prayer can be an adventure, a conversation with God that expands our faith and broadens our mind. Prayer may not rise to the sound of even a whisper, but what an adventure it can be to pursue our relationship with the Creator.

Some adventures take place on the inside. We read in Ephesians, “That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being…” Our inner world is a world unto itself. There is imagination. There is faith. There is depth and mystery and potential. All we need for a life changing adventure is already within us. Maybe what we need is a little quiet in order to find a new path for our life. Maybe what we need is a little calm and peace to open up a new world to us. In all the busyness and noise of life, let us not forget to look inside and make room for the quiet adventures.

Peace.