There’s much wisdom in counting the cost before embarking on a new adventure in life. This saves us from compounding regret later down the road. But adventures by their very nature are entering into the unknown, which means we cannot fully know the cost required of us beforehand. It takes maturity and courage to enter anyway.
Of course, we generally like knowing what will be required of us before starting something new. And with many things we can have a preview and be relatively confident in knowing what we’re signing up for. But, at other times, the preview is a low-resolution image at best. We know nothing will be the same again, but we don’t know fully the sacrifices we will be called to make.
To be sure, marriage and parenthood fit this bill, as would starting our own business or moving to a new city. Whatever it looks like, we should not blindly rush into these endeavors. It’s wise to take the time needed to consider what path we should take, and when we should take it.
But all too often immaturity and fear hold us back when it’s time to step forward in faith. On the one hand, we don’t want to give up the comforts of the life we’re currently living. And, on the other, the anxiety of the unknown keeps us from taking reasonable risks.
Part of maturity is a willingness to make meaningful sacrifices for a greater good even before we fully know the personal costs required of us. And this also calls for much courage. The journey is risky and will likely not go as planned, but it’s ultimately still worth it.
In the end, count the cost and take the time needed before embarking on the adventures of life before you. And courageously accept the unknown cost along the way. It’s a mark of faith and maturity to show up anyway.
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