Through Painted Deserts.

In the fall of 2005, I went to the college group at Bel Air Presbyterian Church to see Donald Miller do a book reading. He was highlighting passages from his newest release, a memoir titled Through Painted Deserts. Though he only read bits and pieces from the foreword, I knew instantly that I had found my new favorite book. Miller's candid style of writing is so appealing to me. I always find myself able to relate to the things he writes. His words challenge me and don't limit me. I don't ever feel as though Miller is preaching to me; instead, his words read like advice from a wise, comforting friend.

This blog's title, then, serves to pay homage to my favorite book. Not only does it represent my love for Miller's underrated work (as good as Blue Like Jazz is, it's popularity trumps the amazing stuff in Through Painted Deserts) but it also is indicative of the point I'm at in my life. This is, to be frank, the weirdest time of my life. Don't get me wrong--I am happy and healthy and blessed. But graduating from college really rocked my world. I never really know how I feel in a given moment. One minute I'm thrilled about the prospects that life has to offer; the next, I'm terrified of moving past my Pepperdine experience and the memories made with friends. But Miller's words from the very same foreword he read aloud at Bel Air Pres on that crisp California evening in 2005 resonate with my emotions during this tumultuous time (providing yet another reason for me to name my blog after his book):

:: It might be time for you to go. It might be time to change, to shine out. I want to repeat one word for you: Leave. Roll the word around on your tongue for a bit. It is a beautiful word, isn't it? So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed. ::

He's right. Life is crazy and, to be honest, sometimes a mess. But it is so beautiful. Though we sometimes get lost and confused along the way, we know we're journeying alongside a God who loves us the most, family members who cherish our lives and friends who build us up. Life is all about trekking through painted deserts; it's going to be tough at times but it's going to be so dang beautiful, too.

One last thing about my favorite read and then I'll keep quiet about it (for now): the book wasn't actually published until five years (give or take) after it was written. Miller originally intended for the book to be called Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance (a spoof on the much more philosophical and serious work, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert Pirsig) but the publishers sent it back and asked for a rewrite. It wasn't until after his success with Blue Like Jazz that Miller got to give Through Painted Deserts another shot. On his Web site, he writes, "Through Painted Deserts will always be my favorite book. I think an author always likes his or her first book the best." Despite his setbacks, Miller knew what he wanted and ensured that his dreams materialized. He got stuck, had to try some different things for awhile and then was able to make his comeback. He left. He wasn't alone. And it was he who has changed.

I think I'll try that, too.