Excerpts
from Book:
Chapter
One
For
many of us, young or old, the prospect of traveling to a
far away land is quite attractive. We long to take a journey
far from home during which we will see and experience things
which will broaden our horizons and transform us into something
deeper and greater.
We
humans seem particularly open to this when things are not
going well. At such times, we often long to transform ourselves
and move on with our lives in a dramatic way. Yet how many
of us wait and wait to take our journey, thinking, "I
will go when I am old, when I am finished with my tasks,
have made my fortune, and have time to travel."
Yet
how true it is that for many of us this day never comes.
Now
when we are young, we are often less afraid to take such
a step. When we are young, we are often much less afraid
of change. And, as well, as young persons we have not amassed
so many things, responsibilities, ties, and relationships,
which often must be left behind or put on hold in order
to take a journey.
Yet
even among the young, there may be fear and trepidation,
worry about the danger or the cost (both financial and otherwise)
of such a journey. And while it is sensible to think carefully
on all these things before agreeing to set out upon any
journey or endeavor, journeys are so often worth their cost
and, though sometimes risky, can be a great gift.
I know this because as a young man who was at a critical
juncture in his life, I was given the great gift of such
a journey. I shall remember this journey and all that it
taught me throughout my life. Somehow, all of my worries
and all obstacles standing in the way of this fateful trip
faded away. I will be forever grateful to all those who
made this travel possible, and will always be glad I was
not afraid to venture forth from home.
This
little book is about what I learned during my journey. It
is my hope that its words will inspire you, no matter your
age in years, to not be afraid to set out into the world.
For whether it be a physical, emotional, or spiritual one,
journeys are of such value, and we must make them all our
lives, if we are to grow. And growing, day by day, year
by year, is why we came here.
So,
keeping this thought in mind, on with the story of one of
the great journeys of my youth!
©2005,
Michael D. Purvis
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