Finding Joy in the Journey

Sometimes the shortest path isn’t always the best one.

I work at a large university and like all universities, parking is an issue. There’s just not enough of it.  I recently changed jobs at the university.

My last position was downtown. I was so excited to learn that I scored a spot in a lot right across the street from my building. It was so close! But, I quickly learned that being that close wasn’t necessarily a gift. The place where I had to cross the street was the spot where three streets converged. When I went to cross the street each morning, I had a long wait for the light to change. When it did change, almost as soon as I got in the crosswalk, the warning light began to blink and I had to rush to make it across before traffic began to move again.

It was a stressful start to each morning, no matter how short the distance was from my car to my desk.

When I accepted my new position, all of the lots next to my building were full. The closest parking spot for me was in a deck a fairly long way away. According to my Fitbit, it was right at 1,000 steps. I wasn’t super excited about the distance, but what I found was a delightful way to begin each day. The walk was though mature trees of all kinds. There were blooming flowers and chirping birds replaced the sounds of cars. A chipmunk or two ran across my path.

I quickly learned that the fastest way isn’t always the best way. There is beauty in the journey. That longer walk each morning helps me begin each day less stressed. It creates some space to be thankful and breathe. It reminds me to listen. It reminds me to watch for God and to enjoy the twists and turns along the path to where I am headed. Perhaps you needed reminding too.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂