Sign up for our free newsletter:

It wasn't exactly the kind of accomplishment that's going to earn me any hero's welcomes, but my solo trip to Los Angeles this past weekend was an act of bravery nonetheless. And one that left me with an unexpected souvenir.

I was in LA for a work-related trip, but had decided to fly in a day early to eke out a mini-vacation in a much warmer part of the country. Plus, I'd never before had the chance to explore the land of movie stars and extravagance, of mountains and ocean.

After checking into my suburban-LA hotel, I ate a late lunch outside, simply because I could. A simple burrito and chips and salsa never tasted so indulgent. Then I consulted my map and headed out to meet a work associate in Sherman Hills.

On the way to the meeting, I felt pride swelling each time I saw a sign for a road I needed (just like I'd planned it!) and let out a big "yea!" when I first spied the famed "Hollywood" sign up on the hill. After the meeting, I wandered over to a nearby chi-chi mall amidst all the Saturday night shoppers and diners to pick up some driving tunes for the car's CD player. Then I headed back to the freeway and exited at anything that sounded familiar—Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive—or caught my fancy. I oohed and aahed at all the big houses, fancy-schmancy stores, chic-ly dressed people and their pets.

The next morning I got lost on the way to an awesome downtown LA church I'd heard about. Not exactly as I'd planned it, but unexpected detours are a part of any adventure, right? Though I was verbally insulted by a fellow driver before exiting my car and strolled into church ten minutes late, the lively singing quickly melted any anxieties.

After the service I wandered over to the café adjoining the church and ordered an iced mocha. I took a solo seat at a nearby table and sipped, people watched, and snuck glances at the football game on the big TV across the room (my hometown team was playing … and winning!). Though no one actually spoke to me, I didn't really mind as I was enjoying watching the genuine, multi-cultural community bustle about me.

I finally made my exit and headed toward the ocean. I stopped at a farmer's market on Rodeo Drive and kept a look out for celebrity sightings. I stopped at a great shopping district in Santa Monica, and eventually found a wonderful little French restaurant with outdoor seating for lunch. Then, with leftovers packed for a late-night hotel snack, I headed up the Pacific Coast Highway, no destination, no purpose except admiring the ocean to my left and the mountains to my right. Ahhh.

I stopped once along the way to get out and admire the ocean by foot. I lingered in view of some surfers bobbing in the water, waiting eagerly for the next big wave, and sauntered past cozy couples strolling the beach hand in hand. Finally, I found a rock suitable for sitting, where I perched mere feet from the Pacific, breathing in the ocean air, drinking in the wondrously rare view, and praising God for his majesty and the beauty of his creation.

When the sky grew too dark to admire the views anymore, I headed back to Hollywood and strolled along the Walk of Fame and gawked at all the famous feet and hand prints in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

The next day, as I headed out to give my presentation, the real reason for this trip, I felt a tidal wave of nervousness. That is, until I noticed an RV directly in front of me on the busy freeway. On the back where you usually see the RV's brand was one word: Brave. I somehow knew, in that soul-sure way, that this was a message for me.

I thanked God for the unconventional pep talk. And for the affirmation that this solo journey in itself was brave. I hadn't really stopped to realize that, though I'd certainly felt the buzz of energy and strength that accompanies any successful risk-taking venture. I'd done a bunch of stuff solo over the weekend, even some potentially romantic stuff, and hardly noticed it. Had I really gotten that comfortable with my own company, with my singleness?

I also realized that perhaps I'd fallen into a bit of a rut lately. I think it's especially easy for us singles to get caught up in our routines, to put off major accomplishments—even minor ones, such as exploring a new city—until "someday." This weekend had taught me to seek out more adventure, and had handed me some courageously earned confidence with which to do so. What a great "souvenir."

Later, the presentation successfully behind me, I returned my rental car and noticed that I'd used up an entire tank of gas over the weekend. When I finally assumed my aisle seat for my flight home, I resolved to live my life a bit more like I'd lived that weekend—as a brave adventure of using up every resource allotted me in whatever span of time I'm given in this single journey, in this life. So that I might live the abundant life of John 10:10, and so that one day, when I coast into heaven on fumes, I might even get to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Camerin welcomes your feedback and brainstorms at: SinglesNewsletter@ChristianityToday.com

Sign up for the Singles Newsletter and receive a new article plus community updates in your inbox every week!

Copyright © 2003 ChristianityToday.com

Read more from 'Single Minded'

Table For One: The Savvy Girl's Guide to Singleness by Camerin Courtney You'll love this book by the Singles Channel's own Camerin Courtney! It's an honest and upbeat look at the emotions, expectations, joys, frustrations, and privileges of the single life, that will delight and inspire you! Buy it today!