What it Means to Live Deliberately

October 7, 2022 | Written by Emmalie Ellis | Music Business, Senior

As we exited the bustling city of Boston and entered the beautiful countryside covered in changing leaves, our group welcomed the fresh air of Kennebunk, Maine, and Concord, Massachusetts. Our conversations, being previously historical in nature, turned as Dr. Grimes began introducing more noteworthy authors and pieces of literature into our group’s lecture times.

A small group of 14 traveled to Kennebunk, Maine. Together, we were able to bask in the glory of God’s creation together. From the scenic Rachel Carson National Wildlife Preserve to the powerful waves of the Atlantic Coast, this time spent together was special to me. As Psalm 19 says, “The Heavens declare the glory of God…” Our Lord is abundantly evident in His creation.

I was deeply encouraged by the time we spent learning about our nation’s great early literary and historical heroes and heroines. Our group walked through the very woods where Thoreau wrote the words “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.” We stood in the room where Louisa May Alcott wrote the beloved story of “Little Women.” We heard Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride” read aloud at the site where the Battle of Concord took place.

I was able to put physical places and vivid images to the stories I’ve grown up reading about in history books. As the week progressed, I began to deeply understand that our country was built by real people who lived with fierce intentionality.

What a gift.

There is little that can compare to sitting at dinner and discussing these characters with our professors, engaging with other classmates on bus rides in between locations, and reflecting on what it means to live on purpose with purpose. While our trip is still not over, I’m exceedingly grateful for the chance to learn about our country’s history in this way—the Global Studies program has truly allowed us to make the world our classroom!