In our lives we constantly go from one place to the next. There is a sense of “wanderlust” in our generation — a desire to chase the next adventure. This desire seems to be even more prevalent in the college years. Pinterest boards are filled with dream vacation destinations, artistic photographs of nature and exotic places and quotes of the sense of satisfaction gained from traveling.
These dreams are, more often than not, just sought after and never truly come to fruition. Granted, this is typically only because of the expense, but nevertheless, these boards are just dreams dreamt by a college student sitting in a dorm room.
This desire to chase adventure is a noble thing. There is much to be learned from other cultures, different languages and experiences in unique places. However, if we are always chasing the next thing, we are never enjoying the now — and often time the now can present one of the greatest adventures.
To live in the moment is to take life as it is; to pursue your passions, to love others unconditionally, to recognize that life is not a constant. There will be waves. There are mountain top highs and really, really tragic valleys. But, regardless, it is impossible for time not to pass. This moment whether good or bad will not be what it is tomorrow, so enjoy it for what it is right now.
There will always be the desire to want to experience more — the sense of exploration for knowledge and wander about the unexplored is inevitable and is something we were created with. However, when life is lived always going from one thing to the next, we never truly appreciate what we have. When you do get to experience a new place, enjoy it for what it truly is, and then when the next adventure comes along, revel in that one as well. But know that each experience is beautiful for their own reasons.
Finally, do not live your life missing where you just were. The things we go through in life are perfectly timed by a God who knows more than we ever could. You experience your life in the order it is intended to be lived. It is OK to keep your memories of the past and it is human nature to remember the joy these moments presented. However, do not live missing where you just were. Live for now. Be present in this moment and trust the timing of your adventures.
