At the beginning of August, the air brimming with humidity, I made the decision to camp for just one night… alone. Intentionally gaining some elevation to drop the temperature, I spent a lazy afternoon in Tennessee, hiking then retreating to a campsite for some moments of me-time. It was close enough to civilization to feel safe, yet far enough away not to be bothered by traffic noise, human activity, wifi, or other distractions of the electrical variety. The joyous feeling of untethered alertness accompanied me throughout the evening as I laughed at the ducks, looked for unique rocks, and watched the nearby creek babble away.

As the sun set and I crawled into my tent, I thanked God for the surrounding wildness and the chance to experience it unencumbered, just me and my thoughts. The stars put on a magnificent show, and I rested in my own imagination. It never seems to get old.