Here’s a quiz. You are a child travelling to grandma’s house. The car ride feels as if it’s taking forever. In the backseat, you start fighting with your sibling, and Mom tries to get you to stop your antics. Finally, in a moment of exasperation, you ask your parents something. What is the question? It seems to be universal: “Are we there yet?”
It’s a great question that we youth workers need to keep asking. Are we there yet? How do we know when it comes to adventure and discovery of God and His plans for our lives?
Consider with me some steps to D.I.S.C.O.V.E.R the wonderful ways to respond to “Are we there yet?”
Dream: Joseph and Daniel in the Bible were dreamers. Are you still dreaming God’s dreams? Scripture says dreams are for young and old alike. There is no age discrepancy. Discovery and adventure rarely happen without looking forward. Take some time away to catch a glimpse of God’s vision.
Investigate: Nehemiah heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem and responded with tears and prayer. When he finally convinced the king to allow him to see the rubble, he walked around the walls for three days before he made a decision. He investigated the scene. Before you initiate some great idea, take time to look around and survey any damaged walls that are in need of repair. Before you initiate something, investigate.
Serve: Once you start dreaming and investigating, the next step is to serve. Get moving on the adventure. Dreams with little action will lead to apathy and frustration. You have wanted to write a book, so perhaps start with an article or essay. Maybe you desire to adopt a child, start a church, build an orphanage, and serve the poor and marginalized. What’s it going to take to get you over the hump?
Courage: It took me eight years to start my consulting business. I had the concept, considered all the logistical plans and wanted to start. Yet there was one big giant in the way: fear—fear of failure. My questions included: What if it’s my plan and not God’s? What if it doesn’t work? It took some fortitude to get going, but it has been a tremendous adventure.
Opportunistic: We have hundreds of birds that come to our back yard each year. As I watch them, their heads move all the time. Some call it a circle of fear, because birds constantly watch for nearby predators. Their head movement helps them survive also because they must eat. They are being opportunistic, seeking munchies. Look around, bob your head, and seek out new opportunities. To really get motivated, read Seth Godin’s Poke the Box.
Variety: We can become stagnant and predictable creatures of habit. We earth dwellers get stuck in the same old ways of living and doing. Consider something brand new this year. Go somewhere you never have been before. Never left the United States? Go to Europe. Take a cruise. Backpack, water ski, build a deck, try surfing, read a novel, interview a famous person, buy a boat (but ask your spouse first).
Expectations: When people start dreaming, sometimes the length of time drags on because the aspiration has not become reality. This is where our expectations are tested; at this stage, our expectations can hinder our discovery and adventure or heighten them. If God put a desire in your heart for adventure and discovery, hold on and persevere. Hope will help get you there.
Rally: Find people who will pray and support your vision. Few folks lose weight without a support and accountability network. Get people to rally with, around and behind you. Who has your back?
As God’s people, we need adventure and discovery, for our souls will begin a slow death without new stimulation. As you consider these steps, you will find yourself moving closer to the adventure of a lifetime.
“Are we there yet?” It’s a question we need to keep on asking.
David Olshine is professor and director of Youth Ministry, Family and Culture at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina. He is the cofounder of Youth Ministry Coaches, and is the author of the new Studies on the Go: James, 1-2 Peter and 1-3 John (Zondervan/YS).
