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In more than one way, 2023 was a troubling year. Health, work, economics, a world in turmoil with government in disarray, immigration, homelessness, wars in progress, family or personal worries and probably more provided plenty of reason for angst. Rather than focus on such things, this may be a good time for us to remember Sam Gribley.
Sam was a twelve-year-old boy who lived with his parents in 1959. He had similar interests and frustrations that those of us today may experience. He didn't like others (parents or teachers in his case) telling him what to do. Instead, he wanted to do what pleased him, go wherever and do whatever he wanted. He was sure doing so would bring him happiness and freedom from all the frustration and worry that seemed to surround him.
He ran away from home and into the mountains, where his parents and others couldn't find him. He wanted to depend upon himself for everything - including his happiness. He wasn't sure how to do this at first, but he managed to survive somehow. He hollowed out a tree with a hatchet for a place to sleep and fed himself with plants, mushrooms and items found growing in the forest as well as fish caught in the river as he spent the winter by himself.
Those that loved and cared about him searched, unable to find him and believed he was lost forever. When spring brought new life to his surroundings, Sam recognized much was missing in his life. He wasn't happy in his isolation. Missing was the support of family and companionship of friends. He realized that true contentment requires more than only what we can provide for ourselves. Sam returned home to regain what was missing.
Perhaps similar to many of us now, Sam simply didn't want to face the problems the everyday world brought to him. It's what we might hope as adults now - to be independent and separated from the troubles and the worries of the world. As a new year begins, we might feel lost in a realm spinning out of control. Could happiness be more plentiful if we isolate ourselves from the chaos of the world as Sam chose to do?
The complete story of Sam Gribley can be found in "My Side of the Mountain" (1959), a children's novel written by Jean Craighead George. The lesson Sam learned might in some ways be similar to what 2023 has delivered - that an important part of life is sharing joys, sorrows, worries and frustrations with those we most care about and those who care about us. 2023 has reminded us that there is refuge found in love and companionship. Whether we are together or apart, family, friends and sometimes strangers can bring hope and strength as we look collectively toward a future with others. But there is even greater hope and promise available.
In parallel fashion, individuals 2000 years ago also struggled through loneliness, fear and uncertainty during a different dark and worrisome time. It was also when a Savior arrived to fill loneliness, provide companionship and bring hope, light and meaning to life in good times as well as those of despair and difficulty.
From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season with renewed hope and joy for 2024 on your side of the mountain--through connections with friends and family, whether in thought, by Zoom, phone or in person. May His light, hope and companionship also accompany and comfort each one of us throughout the New Year. We need only to ask for it.