You've Got Mail and Other Adventures.

Summer adventures are slowly winding down but I still have long enough to make this last week of summer one of the riches. 

That's what I have loved about this summer.

It could have been boring. 

It wasn't.

God has been so good. 

I am learning to appreciate the little things in life. 

There is so much beauty and goodness. 

As I was sitting in my room the other day I happened to glance over at my desk and see the stack of letters I received from friends this summer. It made me smile as I remembered each time I opened the mailbox to find a hand written letter from them. I would hold that letter tenderly and find just the perfect space to sit in order to properly enjoy ever word and thought of the writer. I would study the envelope and try to imagine myself where they were at, camp, New York, Texas, Taiwan, the list goes on. Carefully ripping the envelope open, joy would flood my heart as I read the thoughts of my friends. 

There is something about receiving letter in the mail.

I think it's because you know they took precious time out of their day to write you something special. 

Letter writing is not necessarily fast process. It takes planning, time and love. It's a slower mode of communication but it is more meaningful than a quick text or Facebook post. 

I need to write more letters. 

Thinking about these letters I have received causes me to think about all the adventures that I have been so blessed to have this summer.

Now I know what you are saying, "Bethany, you didn't go anywhere. How did you have adventures?"

I know.

It sounds crazy. 

But I promise it will all make sense. 

I have lived so many adventures through my friends this summer. 

Hearing everyone's stories about their adventures all over the world allows me to adventure with them. Sitting with people and hearing about all that they have experienced, watching their eyes light up with excitement as they tell story after story is a pleasure. 

 I have gone to many places this summer, Nepal, Africa, Turkey, New York, China, the list goes on, without ever having to leave my house. 

I need to remember slow down and listen to others.

I have also read some awesome books this summer. 

Perks of being at home. 

Books are a great way to travel.

I need to read more books.

All of this has given me a better perspective on life, my story, and my longing for adventure. 

While living a good story is important, it is more exciting if we enter in with other people and what they are doing..

AND

it is most exciting when we realize God's big redemptive story and live in light of His glory.

I'll end with this quote:

"The story of the Forest is better than the story of the Tree" -Donald Miller