Journey

Journey With walking stick in hand, I make my way along the rock strewn trail, pushing myself closer and closer to the top of the mountain, my destination. As fatigue sets in, my legs began to feel the strain of the climb. It has always amazed me how hard we work for something so insignificant in the whole scheme of life. Yet, we push on as if it is our last act on earth. I need to rest for only a moment, to recover the precious energy needed to finish my drive to the top. As I sat under the shade of a beautiful birch tree with my back press against its smooth trunk, a million thoughts began to race through my mind, most of which were irrelevant to the moment. I stare up at the tree tops swaying in the wind, one solitary leaf began its journey, floating softly to earth. As I watch its gentle twisting and swaying to the currents of the wind, its flight seemed to last forever. A leaf’s fall should not last more than a moment in time, but as I enjoy its elegance in flight, time seems to stand still. Eventually, its journey comes to an end, I come to realize that this beautiful and gentle moment is so much like life itself. We must enjoy every moment, delight in every sight and sound. Enjoy it now, for our journey will soon be over. As I get to my feet once again to finish my trek, I realize that the prize is not to get to the top, but the journey itself. V.M. Tackett