During medieval times, distant and unknown land at the edge of maps were marked by dragons or sea serpents to invoke a fear of harm about what horrors might befall one who dares to enter previously uncharted waters. The phrase “Here be Dragons” was frequently used in the 1700s by map makers…it was how they marked dangerous and unexplored territories, reminding people to stay away from the unknown.

My heart’s desire with this blog has been to share adventure and encouragement with you each week. I hope I’ve been hitting that adventure mark as my own desire to explore has grown…but I find myself wondering–how am I truly sharing the encouragement I have in my life with you? This year I’ve decided to start sharing a bit more than just my travel and aerial adventures here on the blog…so…

Here be dragons…

A few weeks ago I had a meltdown. Hot tears and harsh words spilled out quicker than I could stop them. After two funerals in one week, pain from an old neck injury flaring up, and a lack of good sleep due to an overly jam packed schedule, all it took was a pile of dirty dishes in the kitchen sink to bring me to the point of crying in anger and exhaustion. I was totally worn down, and what I really needed was a personal time out…or at least a good nap! I rarely talk about this type of thing here on the blog because it’s difficult and embarrassing to share my shortcomings and my failings. I so want to be an encouragement and a good example of steadfast strength, but I know I’m not alone in my feelings…and I hope that in sharing some of my struggles you can know that you are not alone. I am learning more and more these days that perfection is not a prerequisite for happiness! You and I can travel to and through dark places. We can visit without planting roots and building a foundation that will keep us there forever, and we certainly don’t need to be defined by our less than stellar days.

Below I’m sharing how I dealt with my rotten day, and I hope that my journey can be an encouragement to you. After having a good cry and moaning a little more than I needed to about the piles of laundry and dishes awaiting my attention, I slowly turned those hot tears towards God. I told him how angry I was, how tired and overwhelmed I was, and how I felt like a failure even more for feeling this way. Then I began to thank him. I thanked Him for everything I could think of. I looked for the good gifts in my life (even though I didn’t want to), and I praised him. Finally I turned to his good Word as a soothing lullaby for my restless spirit. My encouragement came not from within myself alone, but from my true hope, and from the true words I have written on my soul. Below you’ll see a few of the verses that I tenderly whispered over my heavy emotions until I felt their truth wholly in my heart.

When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
– Isaiah 43:2

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.
– Psalm 91:4

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither be afraid.
– John 14:17

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
– Isaiah 41:10

Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
– Matt. 11:28

“For I know the plans I have for you” declared the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you hope and a future.”
– Jeremiah 29:11

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
– Isaiah 40:31

Today it is my deepest prayer that as we face the dragons in our own lives and unknown seasons filled with both joy and hardship, we might also experience true adventure and encouragement. So I will leave today’s post with one last verse to reflect on.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
– Deuteronomy 31:8

Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement…even among dragons.

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