One day, not so long ago, two little boys decided to go fishing in their local dam. With great excitement and a sense of an adventure about to unfold, they packed their rods, bait, and, of course, the mandatory sandwiches and cold drinks.
That done, they trotted through the bushes, every now and then stopping to hurl clods of soil at each other or admire a bug they came across.
A big eagle soared high above them, and they speculated how it could possibly see, from that dizzying height, the little rats and rabbits it needed to catch. Theories were explored and the conclusion was: it’s a mystery, but it works.
At last, they reached the dam after many delays, detours, and a tumble or two. First, a swim had to be had on this hot day. Then a sandwich enjoyed. Now it was time to settle down to the serious business of fishing. Rods were armed with bait and the waiting began. One little guy caught a fish but the other was not so lucky. By now it was time to go home.
When they got home, parents wanted to know how it went. They excitedly reported the strange bugs they saw, the eagle who had magic on his side, and the huge weeping willow that provided them with shade. The success, or lack thereof, of catching fish was mentioned last and clearly was not the highlight of their outing.
So, gentle readers, why am I telling a story of two little boys’ fishing expedition? Well, because we can learn so much from them.
Life is about the journey and not necessarily the destination. If you do not look for things to enjoy and get excited about along the way to your destination, life is going to be boring and hard.
The boys admired the “magic” of the eagle and the amazing bugs, and in doing so, inadvertently acknowledged the magic of the Universe. We don’t always need a scientific explanation; sometimes we should just enjoy the moment.
They were present every step of the way and looked for things to enjoy and appreciate. If they had rushed to the dam, cast their lines, and ended the day with only one small fish, they would most certainly have slouched home thoroughly disappointed and disillusioned.
The little guy who caught nothing would have bemoaned the unfairness of life and suspected that life was plotting against him. His “bad luck” following him like a shadow.
Decide here and now to enjoy every moment, every twist and turn. The delays and the tumbles. You, too, will find a weeping willow to provide you with shade and a place to catch your breath. You will have all of that on your journey—that I can guarantee.
Don’t give up, don’t bemoan your lot, and don’t blame your “bad luck.” Everything holds magic if you care to look for it!
So, have the swim, enjoy a sandwich, and watch the magic unfold. Don’t waste too much time and effort analyzing, understanding it, and getting the “formula” exactly right. Above all, don’t complain and gripe; you’ll get stuck in that mud, and you’ll miss all the fun on the way.
After all, it’s a mystery, but it works.
