When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Just a few months back I went hang gliding! What an awesome experience! Even though I flew our four-seater Cessna in Africa, it was completely different to skim the tree tops as we stepped off the mountain and slowly, quietly float towards the earth. Margaret and I celebrated our 37th anniversary by going together (not in the same harness, just almost simultaneously in tandem with an instructor!). That is usually the type of experience I think of when reflecting on doing something I haven't done before. Got to thinking about how often or even when was the last time I did something for the first time? It was pretty easy when the children were home. In order to keep up with them or spend time with them I would try something new– a new coffee shop, a roller coaster, a trip somewhere we had never been before, etc. As I observe the changing world around me I realize how much I enjoy routine and the familiar! I know where they make good coffee! I'm reaching a season in life where I know what I like to do and it's so easy to just keep doing that most of the the time. Yet another part of me is recognizing more and more how that since I was created with the stamp of the creator on and in me, I was intended to create and to live an abundant life. Comfort and familiarity can be my enemies. Our society puts lots of pressure on us to conform, to go with the herd. Yet look around and you see a myriad of objects and technology that we use and enjoy because someone stepped out and did something for the first time. Seth Godin says it this way. "The essence of being human is to initiate". Looking at the life of Jesus I see a series of constant "first times" - a blind man, a cripple man, a demonized boy, a sick woman, a dead little girl, a rich man, etc., etc. Am I seeking out those around me who just might be open to the love of Jesus for the first time? How aware am I today that as I live it for the first time (and only time!) I may have an opportunity to impact someone for eternity? Stepping off that hillside in the Alpes made me realize I was taking a much bigger risk than I am when I initiate a conversation with my neighbor, yet part of me was more excited to float around in the sky than I was last week talking with that neighbor. May the Lord put us in more situations to take risks, step out, initiate, create, go for it, do something for the first time! I'm praying for more courage to do things for the first time, not just for the experience and excitement, but for the potential impact for the Kingdom.