Enjoying the Journey

I remember this one time that I went hiking with my church group at Devil's Lake which is just north of Madison, Wisconsin.  It was a beautiful day and I was excited to make the full loop through the park since I was unable to do so in prior visits.  As soon as we started up the West Bluff Trail the natural competitor in me took over.  I was soon well ahead of the group with a pounding heart, a sweaty brow and was halfway out of breath.  My urgency to reach the crest was not matched by my peers.  A few kept up with me but, due to the fact that we were having a hard time breathing, we kept relatively quiet.  We exchanged few comments and kept climbing at an unnecessary speed.  When we finally stopped to catch our breath and wait for the others at a lookout area, I took some time to observe and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings: the sun shining through the trees above us, the glistening lake below.  It was wonderful and in those few moments I felt peaceful and serene, albeit a little sweaty and gross. 

A couple minutes later the laughter and chatter of my fellow hikers coming up the trail broke the silence that was being maintained by me and my small band.  As a reunited group we took a few pictures, shared our awe and continued on our way.  It didn't take long for me to work my way to the front again, breathless as ever, impatient with the pace of the others.  

The rest of the hike followed this pattern: race ahead, take a break, race ahead, take a break.  During the breaks, I allowed myself to observe and to be amazed.  But it was always short lived and I moved on quickly. I was so caught up in getting to the next lookout and another beautiful view that I neglected to acknowledge the opportunities that were being offered at that moment. The friends that I had left behind in my attempt to reach the top were enjoying each other's company.  They shared stories and laughter.  They were able to learn about each other and grow together as friends.  While I was focused on reaching the final destination, they were allowing themselves to enjoy the journey. 

I often reflect on this story when I feel as though I am trying to get through my life too quickly; when I start asking myself, "What's next?"; and when I get impatient with my progress (or lack of). There are times when I look back at my life and wonder where all the time went.  How I am 27 years old already?  What have I been doing with my time?  What do I have to show for any of the life that I've lived up to this point?  My life is already going faster than I know how to handle and yet sooner or later I will find myself looking for the next major milestone.  What is wrong with me? Have I learned nothing?

Life is full of so many wonderful people to meet and places to visit.  There are a million adventures waiting for me at any given moment.  It's my hope to be able to take in as much of it as I can while I can.  This will require me to slow down.  It will require me to focus.  It will require that I become a much more patient person than I am.  But no matter what it requires of me, I know that what I obtain from the process will be worth it. 

So here's to adventure, experience and opportunity and enjoying the journey.