Into the wild

I am in the middle of reading a book called Into The Wild.
It is the story of Chris McCandless. A young man, who left behind all that he knew in order to pursue a life of wandering and to experience a life of adventure, and challenge, and to find joy in unconventional ways.
It is a true story, and you may have already seen the movie that has been made about this guy’s life and ultimate demise.
It is fascinating.
Before I had children, I would have found that way of life very appealing. Something new everyday. Meeting interesting characters everywhere you go. Learning through experiences not many people have.
I was struck by a passage in a letter that he wrote to his friend right before he went on the trip to Alaska where he died:
“You are wrong if you think joy emanates only or principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us. It is in everything and anything we might experience. We just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living.”
While I am not about to burn all the cash I have and take off to live in the wilderness by the sweat of my brow, I think there is wisdom in his words.