"Many were the times when I envied my city cousins. They could go swimming when they wanted. They could play ball whenever they felt like it. It seemed as if the list could go on and on. I believed that, until I spent a week with them and discovered how limited they really were.

"They didn’t have any decent jungles, castles, or wildernesses to explore. They had to get permission from everyone to enter castles and forts. They didn’t have a single mountain or shark-infested river to cross. After one week, I realized just how fortunate I really was. I had it all, and then some!

"Those of us who have a good relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, have that same advantage. There may be other things out there that look more glamorous or glitzy, but we have the real thing. We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing from here to eternity! We may grow accustomed and callous to what we have, but when we realize what we do have, we can rejoice and be glad in it.

"Our jungles and mountains, castles and alligator ponds may seem terrifying at times, but God has blessed us with His presence in Jesus, whose rod and staff guide us and guard us, if we invite Him to join us for the journey. If you’re not happy with your journey, stop forcing your way on your own, and let Christ lead. You’ll never be bored again!!!"

"While passing through the wilderness, full of temptations and distress, what comfort does the thought afford, our steps are ordered by the LORD." 

"God of exciting adventures, open our eyes to the wonders of excitement through which our paths take us. Walk with us to guide us and protect us. Help us appreciate the joy of the journey on which You are taking us. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen."

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