Wan-der-lust (noun): a strong desire and impulse to travel

I have never met anyone who would turn down a trip to Bora Bora. Not yet, at least. I truly believe that we are wired to have a desire to travel the world and see things we could never create, feel more than we could ever explain, and experience more than we could ever imagine. The world is a masterpiece painted by the Most High God that we have the privilege to live on and explore. The only problem with our beautiful world is that people usually have jobs they cannot leave, money they cannot spend, and families that would be worried about their journey. Much to my surprise, none of those obstacles got in the way of my summer adventure on the west coast.

This summer I explored 10 breath-taking states and felt such joy trying to comprehend and find myself in God’s art of Earth. Growing up in boring suburbs, I did not appreciate nature and never truly “found myself.” But living in awe of the world each and every day this summer taught me who I am and forced me to appreciate the GREATNESS of our God. Here are some of the things I experienced on my trip:

• The beaches of Laguna.
• The deserts of Yuma.
• The people of LA.
• The heat of Daytona.
• The mountains of Gatlinburg.
• The sports of Phoenix.
• The poverty of Venice Beach.
• The beauty of family.

My advice to people who stay in one town their whole life is this: Get out. The Earth was made for life; why should we trap ourselves in one place when we were given 197 million square miles to see and feel? No, I have not seen every continent, all the wonders of world, or even all of America. But, I do plan on it. I would feel disappointed if I allow myself to get caught up in struggles like money, time, or approval that would prevent me from looking Earth in the face and telling her how beautiful she is. It took 10 states (and a lot of quiet time with Jesus) to show me my own soul. I personally enjoy feeling like a grain of sand when I face mountains and cotton candy skies. I enjoy the smallness because I feel alive and capable.

Don’t let trivial things like money and time get in the way of your hearts desire to adventure. I challenge you to see the world, not because of how beautiful it is, but because of how glorious our God is.

Just get out and go; you’ll thank me later. Oh, and tag me in the Instagram pictures.