Some time ago, I stayed with a friend who lives in the foothills of a rural community. His home, overlooks a beautiful green valley. On my first night there, we sat in his back yard and watched an amazing sunset. I was mesmerized as I watched the lights of the town spontaneously illuminate the various homes of this small community
I wanted to see the town, so I set my alarm and arose early to run into it. It was only a mile and half away, so I figured it would be a nice short run to get me going for the day.
It's All Downhill
Dawn had not yet arrived when I left the home, and the air was crisp. The stars were still lighting the clear, dark sky. It felt incredible to be outdoors and for some reason my body settled into the rigors of the run much quicker than normal. I ran at a pace that was faster than my usual gait. I literally felt stronger than my normal self, and that invigorated me.
I lost myself in thought and arrived at the center of the town, sooner than I expected. Because I felt so good, I decided to run a little further. I ran another mile and half and then decided to head back to my friends home.
Uh-Oh
Immediately, I discovered the source of my energy. There was something that I hadn't realized when I left the house. Because I was feeling so good, and since it was dark, I failed to understand the steepness of the road into town. I felt so good as I descended, that the hill really didn't seem as steep as it actually was. I labored as I ran to get back to the top of it. I was surprised at how difficult it was to be on the very same road that only moments before seemed like the perfect run. I was on the same road, but the direction I was heading made the degree of difficulty much more challenging.
As I reflected on my situation I thought about how similar this is to life. Have you ever met someone on a road that to you did not seem particularly difficult, but for some reason the person you met was struggling?
I have, and I hate to say it, but I have some times judged these people as either unfocused or unable to function. I never considered the direction they were heading on the road. They looked like they were in motion and moving fairly quickly, but they may have been running up hill.
When I found myself that day on the same road huffing and puffing, I became aware of how ironic my situation really was. I was running on the same dirt. Nothing had changed except my direction. This change in direction caused me to have a change in perception as to the difficulty of the road. It even caused me to have to work much harder. I was unable to coast and catch my breath. It was a new challenge.
Check Your Direction
Some times, we are in too big of a hurry to get to where we are going, that we fail to figure the direction we are heading. We think if we move quickly, we will get there faster. The direction is much more important than our speed. It has the ability to influence the ease of the journey.
What direction are you heading?
Are you hurrying quickly on a difficult path?
What adjustments can you make to move in a better way?
When we move in the right direction, we are in a better position to help others. Because we feel strong, we have enough to inspire others to seek the next level. Chart your course wisely – it will make all the difference in where and how you arrive.
Live Today! Love Today!
Andrew Thorn
760-559-3548
