Forging a Path

All of the various little life transitions back and forth between living in the van and hanging out with people has really been challenging.  It's amazing to realize after only a month and a half that I have gotten into living a fairly routine life.  The big question for me right now is what is really different about this routine than the routine or way of life I had before living in the van.  There are obvious differences to be sure, but I am most curious about the internal differences.  The perspective.  The wants and desires.  Have these really changed?  Were they supposed to?  Are they simply the same and only look a little different?  It seems difficult for me to try to answer these questions since I'm in the van life bubble and really can't say objectively one way or the other.

If I were trying to be honest with myself though here is what I think.  I think my internal perspective, etc. has not changed all that much.  The reason for hope and perseverance is while my perspective, etc. has not changed the external methods for living out my internal beliefs/convictions does look different.  It may not even be apparent to many of those around me.  I believe I've mentioned before how now when I buy something or receive something as a gift I try to give away something I have that serves the same function.  A prime example of this is while I was home this weekend I purchased a new coat.  A winter coat that I probably won't need until next winter.  I already have at least 2 winter coats.  One that would be more for skiing and the like and one an everyday winter coat.  I already struggle with keeping the coat for skiing, etc. since I do that so rarely.  To me it was a no brainer to get rid of or give away my other everyday winter coat.  I could have justified keeping both coats because they are different coats, with different looks.  But really they serve the same purpose.  There's no need.

Eternal perspective is also something I have been thinking about quite a bit lately in light of whether or not my internal perspective (beliefs/convictions) has changed.  More on that later though.  Still mulling it over.