Some Concluding Thoughts

Through 8,500 miles, 2 oil changes, 80+ miles hiked, countless hours spent alone and thinking, I could say so much about this past month. In some ways it might seem like it was all about the places I went and saw. I feel like an advocate for travel, the outdoors, for America. I've posted way too many pictures - my hope was not necessarily to show off "look what I'm doing", but to inspire others to get out there and try new things. To go where the road has not led you before. I'm inspired by pictures this way, so I try to give back accordingly. The pictures speak for themselves, so go see things!

However, the biggest thing I take away is the time spent with people. These times by far brought me the most joy. The time spent alone was great, and probably much needed. Time used to step away from my circumstances and realize the abundant blessings in my life, time to refocus and realign the path I'm on, time spent to ponder God's mysterious creation, time spent to ponder God's words. These were all great, but experiencing them alone was not where I felt the fullest. The alone days were not what I would consider my favorite moments of the trip. Although I would not trade them for anything, I think they offered a great contrast.
My time spent with people - my brother, friends in different cities, even strangers turned friends - was rich. Full of laughter, accomplishing things together, bonding, sharing stories. Comparing that to the alone journeys makes you realize how much less fulfilling alone is. When I left California, after being surrounded by 10 people for a whole week, it was really hard to hit the road again knowing I'd be by myself for the next 4 days. That to me says "work at those relationships at all costs".

Now hopefully this can be applied to living in Knoxville. Just like most people, I'm tied into multiple communities of people throughout weekly life - whether it be friends, coworkers, church groups, etc. So its time to give to those groups abundantly, whether it be time or efforts or whatever else, knowing the fruit of those relationships will be way better than going it alone.