May We Never Lose Our Wonder

In my short 27 years of life, I’ve had the chance to travel more than the average person. I’ve seen the Salt Flats in Bolivia, a male lion in Swaziland, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Sea of Galilee in Israel, beautiful fish in Lake Malawi, the swing to the end of the earth in Ecuador, and so much more. What’s neat is the majority of my travels, with only a handful of exceptions, were largely not motivated by sight-seeing, but actually missions and were only made possible with the help of other people. The ultimate goal was to go serve others and bring the gospel. Incredible sights along with a lot of personal growth were just a bonus.

Well, as often happens, when the travel bug bites you the itch never really goes away. Seeing new places can become a need, borderline a compulsion. I’ve seen it in many of my peers and definitely at times myself as I’ve dreamed of the next opportunity to visit a new country. The balance between enjoying the new place can often become rocky with checking off yet another country you’ve visited.

Wanderlust is a real thing.

In a world where we have much easier access to travel and that which once seemed impossible to reach is now reachable, the lust for travel and wandering is very present.

It’s made me pause and actually think through the word so many throw around as a badge of honor: wanderlust.

Lust, by definition, though often associated with sex, means “a strong desire for something.”  It also “is a physiological force producing intense wanting for an object, or circumstance fulfilling the emotion” and “can take any form such as lust for sexuality, money, or power.”

Wanderlust simply means “a strong desire to travel.”

In reflecting on this word, I’ve decided I really do not like it. Carrying lust is something we’re biblically taught to avoid. I don’t particularly want to be associated with a concept that suggests a lack of contentment.

Don’t get me wrong, the desire to travel is a wonderful thing. I love who I am when I travel. Seeing new places somehow frees my mind to think bigger and deeper thoughts than I do in my everyday circumstances. It’s as if I discover a new part of myself with each new place I have the chance to see. I wouldn’t trade my traveling experiences for anything, but like every good thing, when the desire for it transitions into lust, that’s where I want us to check ourselves.

Our wandering tends to cause us to lose some of our wonder. Lusting after another chance to wander in a sense robs us of contentment.

The presence of wonder suggests contentment.

Those who are free to pause and wonder at the beauty or simplicity or joy before them find themselves in the delicious state of being content. I do not believe that wonder exists without a degree of contentement.

So why does this matter?

Well, I’d like to propose a new phrase to throw around. What if we replaced wanderlust with wonderment?

Wonder + contentment = wonderment

Wonderment, “a state of awed admiration or respect.”

Even the word makes something in my soul take a deep, calming breath. Instead of this seemingly unquenchable thirst to see new places, I can travel for the sake of wonderment.

Why do you travel?

I’m a classic millennial who has wanderlust.

OR

Well, I know the world is a big place and I’d like to be amazed by the Lord’s creation so I travel for wonderment.

Doesn’t that just feel better?

Here’s to a new movement: those who are seeking wonderment and ditching wanderlust. If you need some inspiration, listen to the song, “May We Never Lose Our Wonder” by Bethel.

Anyone with me?