For some, traveling seems to be an innate part of your identity. For others, the connections of your home are rooted in your identity. Either way, I believe intermittent travel is great for all people, even if it is just to the next state or country over. And here's why!
1. Traveling teaches you a learning posture.
Humility is a desirable trait for many of us. The most humble people in my life have a learning posture - they value what others are passionate about and can do. They take opportunities to listen and gain wisdom from the people around them. Traveling gives you an opportunity to develop a learning posture by facing you with skills, passions and ideals that you would never otherwise experience! To travel with an intent on learning from those around you and seeing the value in those you visit builds a humble nature in us.
2. Being in uncomfortable situations is good for growth.
There is always a time and place where comfort and rest are needed and must be valued. There is also a time when we need to deeply reflect on our selves and seek growth and transformation. When we are faced with uncomfortable situations, it makes us think about why we are uncomfortable. Are the values we hold being challenged? Are we freaked out by certain behaviors? Are we being pushed to engage differences? Traveling likely will have many uncomfortable moments, so use them to reflect and grow!
3. Traveling gives you a chance to gain perspective on God.
As a warning for all, I am a Christian and therefore much of what I write or reflect on will have clear notions towards the Triune God. If you are not a Christian, please still engage with my perspectives and help shape them! Now, to my third point, when we travel, we get to see how God is the same in character, but works in unique ways with the diversity present in the church. If you want a chance to see God's redemptive grace at work, or the dignity inherent in His creation, traveling is definitely a great place to start. Plus, all truth is God's truth, and the whole world has something to offer here!
4. Seeing different practices and values aids you in shaping your own.
When I was in Israel, I was privileged enough to participate in a Shabbat dinner. This practice in Jewish culture and the values evident were formative for my own values. Every country, state and even person can challenge our personhood, confirm parts of it or critique it. Are you curious about other ways to view and engage with family? Travel! Do you want to gain perspective on self-care? Travel!
5. Traveling challenges biases and generalizations.
I am convicted that EVERY SINGLE PERSON has biases and generalizations that have been ingrained in them from a young age. To confront these and even realize we have them is not an easy feat. When you travel, you begin to meet people who do not fit these generalizations; then you have to confront that you had a generalization to begin with! This leads you to the hard step of working through your bias and diligently seeking to not subconsciously fall back into it.
Happy Trails my friends!
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