The Distance

I recall the shared wisdom from childhood that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. It is so very reasonable, yet along life’s path I have rarely experienced a straight line. The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of North Carolina takes one from point “A” to point “B” but rarely does it do so in a straight line. Aside from the virtual impossibility of a straight trek, the thrill of the journey might well be diminished if curved ascents and descents were eliminated. I have discovered that life is experienced in much the same way. Straight lines have seldom been undertaken, even when planned. There seems to have always been some unexpected hill or valley to negotiate, sometimes taking me seemingly far from the goal. Often, upon having the goal in sight, I discovered it did not even resemble what was originally envisioned. What I have learned these few years along the path of life is that the richness of the journey often renders the destination point far more illuminated than when the travel began. A few stumped toes along the path have given a new respect for the how important feet are on the road. Letting go of the fascination with the destination allows the joy of the journey to be fulfilled.