The Journey

A life lesson I was taught was that it is not always the end result that is the most important, sometimes it IS about the journey.  Booker T. Washington said "Success is to be measured not so much by the position one has reached as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."

I have been called, self admittedly, an impatient person.  I can be a true task master, I know what the end result needs to be and I know how to get there.  Then someone invented this word “delegate.”   Ah yes, give a portion of your work, duties and tasks to someone else.  I didn’t have training or experience on how to do that, especially when they don’t do it exactly like I would, when I would and how I would.

It took many times for me to “get it”, and actually someone had to sit me down and say.  We know this person is not going to be able to plan this the way you would.  We know that it may not be as successful, but their journey is so important, in fact it is more important than the outcome of the event.  That was a very difficult thing to comprehend, and LET happen.  It was ok to ALLOW someone to “fail”? 

Fail is such a tricky little four letter word.  Failing in one persons eyes is a lifetime achievement in another’s.  It IS relative.  I have learned that IT about journey.  It is helping, NOT DOING for the other person(s).  It is co-creating space for them to work, grow, learn AND FEEL SAFE to do their best AND be ok if it does not have the desired outcome by the many. 

Why is that ok?  Because at the end of the day, how will that person ever learn, grow or build self confidence to move forward in life, work, worship, family, volunteer work, etc. if no one ever takes a chance on them. 

Someone did with me, in fact I have been given a few second chances in life.  Many I know have yet to get their first break.  I remind us all that at some point in our lives someone took a chance on us, regardless if we know it or knew it at the time.  In your life today is there someone you can help create that space for them to grow, learn, feel safe to make that journey?

You can be the change you seek in this world.  One step.  One day.  One person.  One journey at a time. 

Chaplain Royal Bush and Chaplain Beth Loofe are Interfaith Chaplains offering nondenominational and nonreligious care and services to all, without exception in Nebraska and Iowa. They conduct Weddings, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching,Funerals, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. For more information please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006.