We have all heard it being said that “Life is a Journey”. So if life is really a journey, then we are supposed to be constantly on the move and never remain stagnant. Just like we are constantly moving along the road while on a journey till we reach our destination, if life is really a journey, then we must be constantly moving till our lives come to its inevitable end.
And being constantly on the move in life’s journey does not mean that we are to be moving from place to place all our lifetime. But it does mean that we should be improving, getting better and reaching higher goals and levels on a continual basis. In other words, we are not supposed to be in the same level this year as we were last year.
And getting better or going to a higher level certainly does not only mean passing to a higher class in school or being promoted to a higher post or getting a more enhanced salary. Of course, all these are included. However, it would be wrong to associate success or moving ahead with only advances in one’s academics or careers.
There are so many ways through which we can move ahead, improve or go up to a higher level with every passing year or even month. And the good news is that we can improve, get better or go up to a higher level even if the situation or environment around us remains the same.
For instance, a person can improve or become better by simply deciding to treat his wife and children better this year than he did last year. In the same way, a person can also improve or become better by being more watchful and cautious of the words that come out of his mouth. Similarly, a person can simply improve by deciding to be more punctual and sincere in his work this year than he was last year.
When we embark on these personal improvements and enhancement endeavors, many tend to think that they are the only ones improving or changing and it is not making any difference to others or the society. But we need to understand that our improved behaviors and lifestyles will ultimately create a reverberation or chain reaction much powerful and significant than we can ever imagine.
It is said that “a minor adjustment can lead to major improvement”. Therefore when we make a minor adjustment in our attitudes, thinking, behaviors or lifestyles, it can lead to amazing results and improvements in our own life and also in the lives of others.
It is also said that “nobody lives or dies unto himself”. This means that whatever we decide, say or do have its effects on the people around us and on our environment. Therefore when we get better along life’s journey, it naturally leads to overall improvements and betterment. On the contrary, when we remain stagnant or make wrong decisions, utter unwholesome words or take wrong steps and actions, the effects become disastrous and catastrophic in the long run.
It is also said that “it is not a sin to be born poor but it is certainly a sin to die poor”. This saying also implies that we are always to be improving and become better in every way and in every path along life’s journey. If someone is born into a poor family, it is certainly not his choice or fault. But just because he was born into poverty does not mean that he should live in lack and poverty and ultimately die in poverty. Even if he was born into poverty, if he has the will and desire to get out of poverty, God will certainly give him the power and opportunity to do so.
Therefore, along life’s journey, there are countless ways through which we can make improvements and reach higher levels even if others do not realize or acknowledge those efforts and commitments. But I have found that even if others do not realize or acknowledge initially, there would certainly come a time when the improvements and enhancements would become obvious to one and all. And, at the end of the day, many would be scratching their heads saying, “How in the world did that happen!”
There is also a saying that “along life’s journey, one should learn to smell the roses”. This proverb is probably addressed to those who become so goal-oriented and so focused on their aims and targets that they fail to enjoy and relish the beauty and magic of everyday life. There is no lack of such people in our society. They have developed this mentality that they need to be always working and chasing their dreams that they miserably fail to live and enjoy in the present. Yes, we need to be on the move but we also need to realize that this present day and moment have its own worth and value and that this time will never pass our way again once it’s gone.
I guess this is why it is said “we should not just endure our children but we should learn to enjoy our children”. Many parents are so concerned and anxious about the welfare and upbringing of their children that they are always on the lookout for any imaginable harm or danger that may come their way. Many parents also develop a very competitive and vindictive spirit because they want their children to be No.1 in everything. And in doing so, they fail miserably to enjoy their children. And by being always under pressure themselves, they also subconsciously keep their children under the same unhealthy environment.
But even if our child is not the No.1 musician or the No.1 sportsman or the No. 1 student who always scores the highest marks, he is still a gift from God and that his childhood is short and precious and therefore meant to be cherished and enjoyed.
It is also said that the journey is more important than the destination. We are all on a journey and the destination is unknown. Therefore, none of us can live with the attitude, “I will enjoy after I reach my destination”. Such a day will never come. So we better make the utmost use of the journey and enjoy it to the fullest instead of waiting for the illusive destination that will never come.
Since life is a journey, there will always be a mountain to climb. The moment we accomplish something or reach a milestone, another challenge will pop up in front of us. I guess this is why Oscar Wilde said, “There are only two tragedies in life. The first tragedy happens when you get what you want and the second tragedy happens when you don’t get what you want”.
It is also said that ‘When you wish well for others, good things will happen to you”. On face value, this saying seems to be very simple and childish fit to be taught only in nursery schools. But in reality, this is one of the most fundamental core principles of life. Only when our plans and objectives are intended towards benefitting or adding value to the lives of others, then only will there be an unseen hand and blessing guiding us as we take our steps along life’s tumultuous journey. But many do not realize this and they work for improvements and promotions only to benefit themselves. And this is the reason why so many do not encounter real joy, fulfillment and contentment even after accomplishing so many things in their lives. But it is only when our steps and actions are intended towards benefitting humanity and enhancing God’s kingdom that we will learn to enjoy the journey of life even when we have no clue or sign of our destination.
There is a popular pop song called “Destination Anywhere”. I won’t say that I like the song. But over the years, the title of this song has influenced and inspired me in many ways. And I think we should all live by the motto “Destination Anywhere”. By this I don’t mean that we should live a sloppy and carefree life unmindful of the eventual consequences. But what I do mean is this: as long as we are doing our best, we should not be worried or bothered much about the destination because God will take care of that and lead us to the right destination at the right time. Ultimately, it’s all about what we are willing to do to advance God’s kingdom here on earth. As long as our intentions are pure and righteous and as long as we have a desire to please God and benefit mankind (no matter how trivial it may seem), then the destination will always turn out to be good and profitable.
