Because I wanted to — Emma Gatewood.
Until I read Bonnie Whitehouse’s Afoot and Lighthearted, I never knew about Grandma Gatewood who at 67 was the first woman to hike the Appalachian trail alone. Her story would make a great movie. When Emma was asked why she set out on such a trek, she said, “Because I wanted to.”
Throughout my life I have heard a lot of children say, “because I wanted to.” However, I can’t say I know many adults utter those words, and after thinking about it I think that is a shame. I currently have a friend’s daughter who is sailing alone from the west coast to Hawaii. She is doing something wild and adventuresome, and I bet part of the reason for such a trip is “because she wanted to do.”
I don’t think God worries when one of his flock goes out and does something totally off the charts. In fact, I’d bet he like to see more of us do so. Bonnie asks if we were interviewed and asked about something wild and adventuresome what would be our answer. I think to answer that question I would have to go back to my youth, and I think that’s backwards. We should do things in our maturity because we want to.
If you were asked about something wild and adventuresome what would be your answer, and better yet ask your self what do you want to do and why haven’t you done it?
Such a challenging question….I will have to contemplate this, It has been awhile since I have had a chance to visit The Hubbell Pew. So good to see that you are still writing. Blessings to you as you find some extraordinary something to do just because you want to.
I enjoy your writings.
God bless,
Keren
Thank you Karen for following and comments. I loved reading your comments. W.