Risky Business

Risk - noun

•  the possibility that something bad or unpleasant (such as an injury or a loss) will happen
•  someone or something that may cause something bad or unpleasant to happen

These are some of the definitions listed for risk in the Merriam Webster dictionary and they don't exactly have positive connotations.  They evoke fear, apprehension, and a reluctance to act.  While these are all accurate meanings of risk they do not honor the necessity for risk for huge growth and changes to take place.  The thought of taking a chance on something is scary, but without taking leaps of faith sometimes we can never reach our full potential.

It is slightly ironic for me to be talking about the importance of risks because I am more of the timid and cautious type.  I am somewhat adventurous when it comes to outdoor activities like running/biking/hiking.  But besides that, my idea of "living on the edge" is more along the lines of drinking caffeinated coffee late at night, staying up way too late reading a good book, or playing rummikub and having a margarita on a Friday night.  I promise I am way more fun than I sounded just now... :)

So I re-stumbled across this quote the other day when I was thinking about the upcoming transitions I have coming as I move to ATL and start seminary in the Fall.  I am super excited, but I had my first wave of sadness about leaving a place I love and am coming to know.  This is my second summer in the Bull City and I am finally feeling more at home here and getting close to the women's running community.  It is a little bittersweet to think about leaving in the Fall, but I guess I am lucky to have so many people/things to truly miss.  Sure it would be nice to stay in my comfort zone at home living with my parents, working at Bull City Running in the world of the familiar.  But just as ships aren't built to stay in harbor, I need to "leave the nest" so to speak and step out on my own.  It scares me and makes me a little sad to think about at times, but I know that it is what I need to do.  And I cannot wait to see the new sights I will see and the places I will sail.

The beauty interwoven into risk-taking is that God goes before me, He walks with me, and He will go after me.  He is the ultimate insurance policy because He is sovereign over all of creation and faithful.  It is by His grace and provision that I will start seminary in the fall and by His creative hands that I will be refined and transformed.  Day-by-day I am discovering the things that ignite my heart and get me excited.  It is so true that we must follow our passions because they will ultimately lead to our purpose.  I am already sure of my big-picture purpose in life - to be known by God, to know Him, and to make Him known in the world.  And that gloriously unfolds into how to live out my purpose in the moment and each day.  

Here is another quote I found particularly inspirational and a wonderful reminder of why I cannot shy away from taking risks.  I will never be the skydiving, bungee-jumping, racecar driving type, but I am constantly growing in courage, confidence, and boldness.