It can readily be said that 2008 proved to be my most trying of 32 years. I would like to hope that I cleaved to Jesus in this time, and I believe there is evidence before me that I did. However, difficult things are difficult, even with God Almighty.The times of tumults have weighed on me, one who is typically rather stalwart. And it has been recognized (and pointed out to me) that my lack of 'enjoyment' has finally effected my sense of 'joy'.
My discerning and charitable wife has encouraged a Walkabout, and I just might take her up on it. She will be taking the kids to her mother's in two weeks, and has warned me of the wrath that will follow my typical reaction to her absence, an overloading of work.
"Go somewhere. Get some time alone. Breathe a bit. And come home with either some answers or some joy or, preferably, both."
Options are weighing themselves before me:
- Outward Bound or NOLS course.. none offered the right dates, rather expensive, and I'll be forced to talk to others.
- Seattle and the surrounding areas, bumming a couch of my best friend Weeder... but the traditional excitement of seeing him and his wife and upcoming child (I won't probably see the child) is replaced by apprehension at being with others. I am feeling the need for loneliness.
- Westward... over the Mississippi I am called.
- Joshua Tree, Southern California, climbing and hiking and camping in the desert in the likes of Christopher McCandless.
- Skiing somewhere? I would like to try my hand at Cross Country.
- THE Grand Canyon is always suggested, but only by those who don't realize how incredibly cold it is there this time of year, without the benefit of campfires or snow-based activities.
- Honduras
- Equator
- Costa Rica (Maggie's pick of the three, as it feels less dangerous to her)
I have little time to decide, and must as well decide whether to pursue this dream or let it lie.