Dreams, Bucket Lists, and God’s Sense of Humor

Everyone has dreams, but not everyone reaches their dreams. Have you ever wondered why that is? Well…I have a theory. I believe people who reach their dream don’t sit around and wait for it to happen. Instead they are willing to step out on faith, take a risk, and they never ever give up!

Long before the movie came out, I had a bucket list and one of the things on it was to experience the Grand Canyon from its floor.

The problem was I knew it wasn’t going to happen.

No way was I going to raft down the Colorado River and camp out in a tent to get there. Hiking it was out of the question. And being afraid of horses, I also knew I wasn’t going to take the mule trip down. OK, I know a mule and a horse aren’t the same animal, but they’re close enough that I’m not going to take any chances riding one.

As my husband and I planned our Grand Canyon trip, I came across a fairly new activity. At least it wasn’t available (as far as I know) the last time I went to the Grand Canyon. Helicopter rides to the floor of the Grand Canyon.

Yep, my bucket list was within my grasp.

The only problem—I’m afraid of heights and since helicopters go up high that means I’m afraid of helicopters. I’ve never been in one and never had a reason to want to be in one—until now.

I stared at the details of the tour on my computer screen, but in my mind I saw a helicopter careening wildly out of control with me inside and crashing into the sides of the Grand Canyon and then falling into the Colorado River—and sinking. Did I mention I’m not a very good swimmer either?

What’s a girl to do?

I took a deep breath and called out to my husband, “Hey, do you want to take a helicopter ride when we go to the Grand Canyon?”

I knew what his answer would be before I asked the question.

The day arrives and…guess what? High wind warnings are out for the entire area. I kid you not. God has quite the sense of humor.

We board the small commuter plane to take us to the Grand Canyon. How would I describe that part of the trip? I only need one word—turbulence.

The turbulence was insane!! Even with my seatbelt on, I was bouncing up and down so high, that I almost hit the ceiling of the plane once!! Really!! The problem was I hadn’t tightened my seatbelt enough to actually keep me in my seat. But once I realized it, it was too late so…bouncey…bouncey…bouncey.

My husband sits across the aisle from me—completely oblivious to my problems thanks to his IPod. He can’t hear me calling his name over the plane’s noise and his music—and his eyes are closed. So…more bouncey…bouncey…bouncey.

We finally land and even though my knees are a bit wobbly, I’m able to walk—just barely. The high winds continue as we sit and wait for our turn to board the helicopter. Every fiber of my being is screaming, “Don’t do it. Don’t get on that helicopter!”

I take a deep breath and clutch my husband’s hand as we walk out to the helicopter. The flight wasn’t bad at all and getting to view the Grand Canyon from the bottom up was AWESOME!!

So, why am I humiliating myself by admitting I’m afraid of heights, horses, and helicopters, not to mention swimming? Easy answer. We all have fears and it’s so easy to give into them. But we can make a different choice. We don’t have to let fear dictate what we do or don’t do, what we become or don’t become.

Don’t let fear stop you from the life you want. Take that step of faith to follow your dreams even if it’s in a helicopter during high wind warnings!

To learn more about my books, including my latest release (PURSUED) go to: www.lillianduncan.net