Why Not Travel?

Last year my husband and I made our first transcontinental trip to visit friends in South Africa. We were awestruck at the vastness of that nation, the beauty of the landscapes, the fascinating history, and comparisons with our familiarities: the language, government, currency, animals, flowers, and the weather. Thankfully, we had hospitable guides to show us the high points during our available time.

One of my friends just sold her house, and she and her husband are going to travel and tour the country. Talk about downsizing! Living out of an RV could be a little scary yet certainly a freeing experience. Imagine making and renewing a rainbow of friendships.

I doubt if there are enough years left for all the places I’d like to visit on my current “bucket list.” Travel is such a mental expansion process. I enjoy learning about the places where I live and visit. Now I’m intrigued about so many things that never entered my mind a few months ago. And we can be ambassadors for those people, animals, and causes that get little press in our country—always bearing in mind that we are also witnesses for our state, country, race, or religion.

Traveling and Personal Growth

If you are content to stay in your town, county, or state, I would challenge you to the traveler’s brand of personal growth. It might take some extensive planning and budgeting, but consider the benefits of going somewhere new. Financially challenged folks often sign on for volunteer ministries in other states or countries. Work and play. This creates new topics for sharing with others, new concerns, and people for whom to pray. You will probably also have a greater appreciation for home upon your return. You might even decide that you are needed someplace else. And the photos make for some great memories, gifts, and wall decor when you return.

One of the best parts of travel is the realization that my God is bigger than I ever dreamed. His creation is limitless and His love is expansive enough for a whole world, the universe, and beyond. Yet, He cares about me.

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalms 103:11, 12, NIV).

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

1. What has shaped your appreciation or distaste for travel?

2. Check out these options for travel and share your responses: Educator’s Travel Network; Maranatha Volunteers International.

If you liked this, you might also like Travel Care | A Bible in One Hand, a Passport in the Other 

Karen Spruill writes from Florida.

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