When I prepared to leave home after graduating high school, it was like throwing my toothbrush and jacket into a backpack and taking off for the wilderness. Did I really understand what I was doing? I was also concerned I might not like what I found when I reached my destination.
Where am I going?
Living as an independent adult wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be.
My grandparents had recently moved to a house on Almaden Street, and I entertained the idea of claiming their basement room for myself. It was damp and musty, empty but for two box crates stacked in the corner. I arranged them under the tiny window, planning to decorate them with dandelions in a tin can.
At some point I’d put a mattress on the floor. I could live without furniture, for a while anyway. I would eat brown rice and split peas . . . and well, I could get along without lots of things.
It sounded like a great idea, “roughing it,” spending time alone with God and not having to put up with other people and their problems.
My fantasy lasted about 7 hours.
When I came to my senses I marked out a different path. Living and caring only for myself wasn’t going to be good. I recognized my true life goal is to follow Jesus where he leads—to sacrificial love for others.
A way in the wilderness
I recently found myself taking an unexpected turn on my path, which involves working to improve my health. After a physical exam I read several books to compare professional opinions. I’ve been eating a whole foods, plant-based diet now for one year and ten days, and I’m thankful to say it’s helping me manage arthritis pain without prescription drugs.
“I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise” (Isaiah 43:19b-21 ESV).
Whatever comes on our life’s path, we can trust him to make a way.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 
Nice looking site, Alexx. Blessings on your healthful journey!
There’s always more story to tell, isn’t there. I don’t have a sequel planned at this time, but you never know what might pop up.
It would be interesting to know where you went and what you did after leaving the basement. Or is that for telling in another blog?
Dean
Absolutely if you get a moment I would like it if you checked out my blog sometimes. Feedback is always helpful. Have a great night
Some fantasies die hard, don’t they. Thanks for the encouragement, Alexx.
great post. I was laughing so hard when you said the fantasy lasted 7 hours! Thats classic. keep up the good work