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

Our pastor asked this question a few weeks ago during the morning service.  Now there are lot of things he says that catches my attention, but this one not only grabbed my brain, it also grabbed my heart.

In my quest to find a more fulfilling life with simple pleasures, I thought about how routine my days had become.  Work, clean house, pay bills, sleep,  blah, blah, blah.  I was tired of just going through the motions of the same old thing, day in and day out.  At this point, I asked myself "When WAS the last time I tried something new?"  I honestly couldn't remember.

It was then and there that I challenged myself.  I made a decision that at least once a week I would try something new and see what impact it would have on my life.  The first couple of weeks I went simple.  I tried a new restaurant (the food was good, but overpriced) and I tried southern style, cooked turnip greens.  Who knew I would fall in love with something I once described as tasting like I was eating freshly mowed grass?

I then upped my game a little.  Literally.  I decided I would try playing tennis.  Being slightly overweight, I was a reluctant to be seen running around on a court chasing a little yellow ball that I would surely miss hitting.  Thanks to encouragement from my son however, I tried anyway.  Guess what?  It was fun!  Not only am I getting some great exercise and am spending quality time with my kids, I've learned that there are more things in this world that I truly enjoy.  How much more have I been missing out on?

I found that out this last weekend at Six Flags.  I entered the gates knowing I would ride nothing more dramatic than the old time cars.  I have an intense fear of heights, so that limits me.  The second ride we came to (after the old time cars) was the American Thunder roller coaster.  My husband and son begged me to ride it and of course I adamantly said no.  I would surely die of heart attack at the very least.  Still they hounded.  After a few minutes however, I thought to myself "I haven't met my challenge this week and it's the last day.  What a great sense of accomplishment I would have, if I could beat that fear just once."  So, I climbed into the seat on that roller coaster and sat with my son.  I closed my eyes, said a prayer, and hoped for the best.  I am so happy I did.  In between my frantic screams, I remember looking over at my son who was laughing hysterically at his scared mother, and thinking that I would not have traded this moment for anything.  Believe it or not, I rode that same roller coaster four times that day.

My project this week is doing a new web page and blogging.  It's something I've always dreamed of, but just never took the time to really do.

I challenge you to make your days more simple and fulfilling as well.  Time passes by very quickly, so it's important to not miss out on opportunities while they are in front of you.  When I get to the end of my life, I want to be able to look back and say "That was fun! I had a great time!"  Don't you?

I want to hear about what new things you've tried.  Maybe I will want to try them too.  Send me your stories.  I can't wait to read them!