As young adults we are confused about what we are to seek and what defines us. Is it our career or lack there of? Is it our hobbies or passions: the things that make us come to life. What do we pursue? Adventure, travel, occupation, relationship, purpose? We ask many questions and are given many answers. Answers that fall utterly short; they are too small. They separate the inseparable. They say adventure is best with irresponsibility and must be experienced on its own. They say beauty is found in unfamiliarity and is to be sought far from home. They say hard work is very separate indeed from happiness. They say relationship should be held at arms length until all other desires are met and passion for life has died. They say commitment is the opposite of freedom and simplicity is in running away.
And so we seek joy, adventure and purpose as if they could be found on their own. We chase the results of life and not life itself. But we realize that the crop we are bringing in is somewhat hollow, in fact we are collecting only the dry shell of things not the things themselves. As soon as we separate the outcomes from their reality, both lose their meaning. We propose the connected life. Where beauty is enhanced by familiarity and first hand experience. Where commitment opens wide the door of true freedom and hard work reveals the face of happiness. Where meaningful relationship fulfills our deepest longings, and simplicity is found as a byproduct of purpose built priorities. Where adventure dwells close to high responsibility. A reality where God is found in the very fabric of the life He created us to live. Then we find our crops solid and nurturing, full of the things we long for most. Then we live, when all our pursuits become beautiful. From unforgettable adventure in clear, high, mountain air, to the purpose and clarity of having your hands in the earth. All of life, all our pursuits beautiful.
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