Skipping or Trudging…It’s All In the Journey

We’re all familiar with Aesop’s fable about the hare and the tortoise – the moral of which is “slow and steady wins the race.” It’s not a lesson that is well-received by the impatient, banging-bowl-on-high-chair, I-want-what-I-want-when-I-want-it, immature individual that I can often be. Yet, when I step back and look in my rearview mirror, I am grateful for the progress on this spiritual journey called life - and am often amazed how far down the road slow, steady, small steps can take me.

The author of one of my favorite books, Bill Wilson, speaks of “trudging the Road of Happy Destiny.” When asked, Bill explained that definition of trudging that he intended was “moving steadily forward with purpose.” Most of us, however, liken trudging with a slog down a muddy path or through a couple of feet of snow, which relates to Webster’s definition: “walking or marching steadily, and usually laboriously.” Notice the definition says usually laboriously…not always, not only…but usually. That tells me that this journey is not meant to be all work and struggle with no play and happiness…and that perhaps there are times when I will find myself joyously skipping down the path.

I find that the journey becomes most laborious when there are obstacles in my path. If I am honest, I would have to admit that the obstacles are often of my own making. I allow pride, petty jealousies, silly resentments, fear of things that never come to pass, and other ego-based barriers to stand in my way. The Road of Happy Destiny becomes dark with shadows rather than open to the Sunlight of the Spirit. Thankfully, God sends many guides to help me remove the obstacles.

A friend of mine recently shared a video of one turtle helping another. One of the turtles was belly-up, lying on his shell, his little legs flailing and going nowhere. The other turtle slowly came around and nudged the stranded turtle until he flipped it over onto its legs, and they “trudged” off together.  I often feel like the turtle on its back, and am so grateful for the many friends I have that nudge me back on my feet when I need it, and trudge along with me when the going is tough. I only hope that occasionally, I can be the “nudger” rather than the “nudgee,” and perhaps through my experience help others who need a hand along the path turn things around.

Of course, it’s not all trudging and flailing! I am so grateful for the days when I can skip joyously along the path. These days occur fairly frequently. If I am focused outward (on my fellow travelers and God’s will for me) rather than inward (on my wants and perceived needs), I am much more likely to discover myself skipping than I am to find myself flailing on my back or laboriously trudging.

No matter whether I am trudging or skipping, the most important thing for me to remember is that life is not a race. It is a journey – one that is sometimes scary and challenging and fraught with obstacles. But, most often, it is joyous, fun and exciting. And, always – the journey is is so much more meaningful when shared with family and friends.

I haven’t spent too much time in the craft area lately. Between work and some other recent weekend commitments, Barb and I also took a road trip to Southern Georgia for a friend’s wedding. What a fun and amazing journey it was! The wedding was fabulous, and we took a couple of days to explore Savannah on the way back. I can tell you, I was certainly skipping along the path for that part of this life journey!

I did, however, finish the plaque I was working on for one of my nieces. A couple of weeks ago, I got a new set of oil pencils that I had been anxiously awaiting before putting color to the turtle and butterfly. I finally found some time to try them out this weekend – and the results are below.

Turtle & Butterfly - pattern by Cheryl Dow

What a difference the quality of pencils makes! While I love my old set, these Derwent oil pencils are a testament to German engineering! The colors went on smoothly, and blended beautifully when I applied a little Turpenoid solution.

Happy trudging…and may you occasionally catch a ride on the journey!