When I was little, I loved Legos. Now that I'm older, I still love Legos! And I'm thrilled that both my kids do as well, though my eldest has more patience for them. (I'm sure it's an age thing.)
The one set that I still have from my childhood is a smallish castle set. It has turret, a draw bridge and a small collection of Knights. There are a few missing pieces but nothing that prevents it from being built.
I have built it several times over the years, but every time for me it has been something that consumes all my focus till it is done. My goal is to finish it. To get it built.
Yet recently, Kyle has taken to building it himself. In fact, today he just finished it for the second time. Yet it has taken him at least 4 days to do it. No, that's not 4 days straight. He does it on and off a few minutes here, a few minutes there. He seems in no particular hurry to get it done. Many times he will even totally ignore the project and opt for something else.
On Friday, after he had finished the first section of wall, all the knights and horses showed up. They were standing on the wall, resting in it's shade and acting out little scenes. They even fought off a few invaders. As the wall progressed, through each step of the way, the soldiers and knights inspected and moved into each new section.
For awhile it annoyed me that he couldn't focus on it long enough to 'get it done'. But then I was struck by his wisdom. Did he care that it got done? Sure he did. He just finished it today and was so excited and proud. But he wasn't rushed to get it done. He was enjoying each step of the way. He knows his limits. He knows he can't get it done in one day, so why rush it.
As I've reflected on this over the new years holiday, I realized that I need to take more time to enjoy the journey. Because once it's over, it's over. But the joy comes along the way.
Too often I focus on getting something done. "Got to get this done." "I need to see this accomplished." "I can't wait till..." But how often do I enjoy the little steps along the way?
As you began this year, take some time to think about where you are going but don't forget to enjoy the path that you choose to take. Because it's along those paths, that some of life's greatest joys are found.
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