A million miles in a thousand years

Right before I started my sabbatical, I read a great book called A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. The premise of the book is that the author, Donald Miller, has been approached by movie producers to write a screenplay based on his book Blue like Jazz. In the process of writing the script, Donald realizes that he isn't living a "great life story" and that if he were to die he wouldn't leave any sort of legacy or be remembered for doing anything that great. Driven by his faith in God and a desire to make a difference in the world, he sets out on his second chance at life the first time around by doing things like riding his bike across country for a charity as well as starting his own nonprofit organization.

Needless to say, I found the book inspiring. I also thought it was perfect timing that I read this right before I started out on my own journey at living a better more exciting life. I only went 30,000 miles in 6 months, but I like to think it was a start. I set out on my travels because I thought it was going to be a cool way to learn more about myself, which it definitely was, but more importantly I realized that all of this isn't about me at all. It's about God. And all of these experiences he has given me these past months were to help me grow in love and faith and learn better how to serve Him. I am set to start nursing school in a few short weeks, and while I know it won't be easy I feel like this is the purpose He has had for me and maybe it will be my start to begin living a great life story and making some sort of difference.

Hopefully I will be able to continue to travel along the way, but I don't know if I will ever be able to top these past 6 months. While I have gone to beautiful places and done all sorts of exciting things, it has been spending time with my friends that has been the best part. Thanks to Kels, Jess, Adrienne, Blake, Lauren, Scott, Matt, Caroline, Ashley, and Bennett for making the time truly enjoyable. Its been a great adventure and hopefully there will continue to be more to come. Because the "great story" of life, after all, is all about the journey and what you choose to do with it.