Journey Versus Destination

While encouraging a group of second graders to walk in a straight line down the hallway from point A to point B this week, I was reminded of how important the little things in life can be. As I watched them push each other to and fro in order to be closer to the line-leader or to stand by their friends, I could not understand why they were so concerned with where they were in line. After all, isn't the destination -  be it lunch, recess, or English class -  the important thing?

About midway through our excursion, we saw another class walking toward us. As the students passed each other, some waved frantically back and forth, some exchanged haphazard high-fives, and a handful simply stared blankly at the floor. A few seconds later, we passed a popular teacher, and several students stepped out of line to give her a hug. Next, the students noisily navigated the stairs that led to the classroom. Quickly, I unlocked the door and ushered them inside.

As they took their seats, I observed the students as a group. Their faces were animated as they whispered to each other about all they had experienced during our short excursion. It was then that I realized life isn't just about reaching a particular place or position, it's also about the journey, and what we encounter along the way.

Today, as I reflect on the connection between a journey and that journey's end, I can't help but share what I feel is an important lesson for those of us who garden. We start out with a vision of what we want our gardens to look like, and an idea of how we will get from point A to point B. Along the way, we make mistakes, celebrate successes, and have a few days where we just turn our unfocused gazes upon the horizon. And although we enjoy reaping the final product - a beautiful, bountiful garden, we become better gardeners as a result of the journey.