Not all those who wander are lost. J.R.R. Tolkien
This quote has spoken to me many times when life has seemed chaotic or random. We plan our adventures, but leave enough looseness in the schedule to be able to randomly have conversations like this:
‘We’ve been invited to speak at an event in Seattle in April.’
‘Okay, but you’ve got that trip to the Philippines and I’m going to England around that time.’
‘I think we can fit it in, although we have an invite to a wedding in Indonesia the week after.’
NEXT DAY
‘Let’s fly to Sydney for the lights festival tomorrow. I’d love to photograph it.’
‘Okay. Let’s do it.’
Having an overriding framework on which to base your life journey is important. If you don’t plan, it won’t happen. However, we don’t want to be so rigid that we aren’t open to changes, flexibility or even just taking off on a whim if we wish.
The serendipitous moments might seem like an interruption to the plan, or seem inconvenient, however, they can be the Great Creator putting people or opportunities in our path.
On this latest trip to the Cocos Keeling Islands, I had the dream of swimming with turtles. While we had seen many popping their heads up, they were shy and swam away each time we went near. On a dive trip we stopped at a spot known for its manta ray population. As I was only snorkelling, the others left went deep and left me on the surface, happily swimming. At one point I turned my head and swimming right next to me were two turtles. I snapped a photo of them, but then put it away as I wanted to drink in the loveliness of the moment.
I hadn’t expected the turtles there and I was so thankful I’d had that moment. I was alone with the turtles in the middle of the Indian Ocean and it was one of those times I will treasure.
#365adventure is a book lover’s year of adventures. Adventures in travel, friendship, family, soul, heart and, of course, book stores!
