At times I move so quickly and I want so desperately those things which I do not yet possess, that I forget to enjoy the journey. I forget to enjoy and embrace the moments that I find myself in. I become so focused on where I want to be that I virtually ignore where I am. There is beauty in the moment. There is beauty in the moment. There is beauty in the moment. Never forget it.
The Turtle & The Crow
Turtle moved tentatively down the road. Towards the sun. He wanted to move faster. He always wanted to move faster. It didn’t matter that he was a turtle. He could see all of the wonderful things taking place down the road and that is where he wanted to be.
“Ugh”, Turtle sighed. “If only I could run like the others.” In the distance, Turtle could see a jubilee in progress. People were jumping, dancing, and laughing.
“At this rate, I will never make it there. The party will go on without me.” Turtle stated with a frown.
He walked and walked and walked. His progress was labored. Turtle thought of the jubilee and of all the fun he was missing. This angered him. “It is so unfair.” Turtle said. “Why should I be cursed with these stumpy legs?”
Turtle continued on his journey. All the way, feeling angry and sorry for himself. In the distance ribbons danced in the wind, bubbles floated up into the atmosphere, children played.
Turtle was so distracted by the jubilee that he failed to see the beauty that surrounded him. He was blinded by thoughts of the future. All the while ignoring the gifts of the present.
To the left and right of Turtle there were endless fields of lavender flowers. Blades of glowing green grass topped with fragrant flowers. He could not see this beauty for he was mesmerized by what lied ahead.
Turtle walked and walked and walked in a state of total despondency.
Crow landed in front of turtle and squawked “Where are you headed Turtle?”. “To the jubilee.” Turtle answered hurriedly. “Oh", squawked Crow, “Have you noticed the lavender flowers that are in bloom? Don’t they smell delightful?”
“I have no time for such silliness Crow, I must get to the jubilee.” replied the turtle.
Crow’s smile faded as she replied “I see. Turtle did it ever occur to you that this place is where you are supposed to be. In this moment, on this road, speaking to me. This is all part of the journey and you mustn’t ignore or neglect it. For it is as important as the destination.”
Turtle stopped. He looked at Crow. He looked to his left and then to his right.
“Perhaps you are correct Crow. I shall stop and smell the flowers.” Turtle responded before disappearing into the field of purple and green.