San Clemente IX

Thursday, December 6, 2007 - Yesterday I saw my friend Rick from the last time I was here.. We talked for a couple hours about theology (of course), science, politics. He has, if I remember right, about 3 degrees in the field of science; one of which was in the realm of climatology. He was very interesting to talk with on the subject of global warming, of which he believes is almost becoming a new religion (something he's not very happy about). This guy is truly open-minded in the real sense. The last time I was here I remember he was reading a book written by a staunch atheist. This time he was reading "What's So Great About Christianity?" - a theological rebuttal to the atheist's book. But this, to me, is the true embodiment of open-mindedness - actually listening to both sides of the argument. A fascinating guy to talk to indeed.

As the week has wore on here I think I've started realizing something.. When I first set out on my trek I was still in the healing process; in the aftermath of everything that had happened in my marriage. When I was last here, I felt like everything I was doing, seeing, and experiencing were somehow necessary. And I ate it up. But now, that feeling of dire necessity no longer seems to really be there. Of course it could just be that I've met Ana, or that I'm getting used to this, or that my mind and body are growing tired of travelling (which I doubt); but the reason that seems to jive best with me is that I've healed. I now look forward to the next chapter of my life more than anything else.