Wanderlust
Sounds like a scandalous word… but it is actually one that I find very beautiful and mysterious. It conjures up images of faraway places, much more exciting and new than the roads that I travel daily. Being that I was a German minor in college and have a small obsession with all things Deutsch, this word holds a particular place in my heart. It is one of the few “loanwords” that we English-speakers use, and I think we made a good choice. The term comes from the verb “wandern” (pronounced von-dern), meaning to wander, and “lust” (pronounced loost), which in German simply means desire, or pleasure. See, German really isn’t that difficult.
I have had a serious dose of wanderlust this summer. It is something that I can’t pin down, a feeling that runs deep inside me, and erupts at random moments when I least expect it. I pride myself on trying to get to the bottom of things, analyze them, figure them out. But this, I simply cannot. Why is it so strong? Is it what my mom calls “that gypsy blood” that runs in me? (simply meaning my parents loved to wander as well, not that I am an actual gypsy. Although that would be very cool.) Is it simply a stubborn discontentment with my life as it is, that must be stamped out with a grateful heart towards God, and a calm understanding that I am where I should be? Is it just the “wild youth” that is still lingering in my soul, wanting to go out and experience adventure, even as I move toward the ripe old age of 30?
Maybe that’s it. 30 is scaring me, the kids that I haven’t had yet are scaring me, the super-adult life that I know is coming is scaring me. It’s telling me to run away, as fast as I can, until I run right back around and slam into it with complete abandon. What is it about changing stages in life that can seriously give you a desire to flee? I want this wanderlust to go away, but I fear that it won’t until I satisfy it with a very expensive trip to somewhere perfectly exotic. I read somewhere that when we get to Heaven, we will feel perfectly at home, but also like we are on a grand adventure all at the same time. Now I could get used to that. So maybe this feeling is God-given, and is just one small reminder of His hand in my creation. Maybe He is gently reminding me of the ways that my life, here and now, is a true adventure in itself.
Hilary,
I love this blog! You knew I would. Wanderlust is
real. We’re just the fortunate ones who studied
German so we can use that word with flare and
authenticity! Wanderlust is knowing that there is a
bigger world out there and wanting to see it, feel it,
and touch it! Wanderlust is a desire deep down in
your soul that says its OK to step out of your
comfort zone and take a risk to experience the
unknown. Wanderlust is a healthy discontentment
and curiosity to explore all that God has created.
I’m so happy that you share and understand what I
feel even though it can’t be explained completely.
It just is, and its “wander”ful!
Mom