I recently finished reading a book by Donald Miller called "Through Painted Deserts". It wasn't intentional. I had gone to Barnes & Noble a few weekends ago looking for another book by Luci Swindoll, since we all know I've had a girl crush on her ever since I picked up "Doing Life Differently". If you've never read this book, I would highly recommend it.
But back to Don. I had read his book "Blue Like Jazz" years ago and remembered enjoying his different take on life. Don is a theorist. He doesn't live within black and white lines like most Christians. He questions things that are often in the gray. And he's not afraid to question God. His new book that I picked up was no different. It is the story of a road trip he took with a new friend from Houston to Oregon.
A few things to note. Now, more than ever, I am determined to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon one day. I've had the desire to go there and camp ever since my old friend Scott sent me pictures of Havasupai Falls from the bottom of the canyon. There are not words to describe the color of the water there. And what a rewarding trip...to be able to look back and see what you have accomplished afterwards. Don and his friend Paul did this exact thing. They were better men for it.
They also realized the joy of living life without things, one day at a time. They literally sold everything they had, loaded up in an old VW van and headed off on the road. Sleeping in the van, eating rice and beans, and counting on the generosity of the people they met. I can only imagine what it would be like to not have to worry about "things". I don't consider myself to be a materialistic person, but I do long to have a home of my own someday, maybe a nicer car that has heated seats. :) But all of these things are a chasing after the wind. The only thing I am guaranteed is today. I am blessed and am grateful for the reminder Don. Not to mention...I think you are adorable!!!
