I came across this quote in college and I immediately identified with it. I'm the type of person who is always thinking ahead or thinking back and it's hard for me to enjoy the moment I'm in. I wrote it on a post it and stuck it in a place I'd look at everyday -- my computer. :)
When I was in high school, I was looking forward to college. When I was in college, I couldn't wait to graduate. When I graduated and began working, I wished I could go back to college. As a teacher, I can't wait till the bell rings and I get to go home. In the morning, when I wake up, I can't wait to get to work so I can get started on teaching. As a bride, immersed in planning, I couldn't wait till I was done planning and just enjoying marriage. Now that I'm happily married, I wish I could go back and plan another wedding!
Take road trips. Chris and I go on road trips a lot, especially to Vegas to see him family. The drive is only four hours from us, yet, I am impatient during the drive. I don't enjoy the journey to the destination. I just want to arrive. But when I get there, I'm already thinking of the next destination!
I've been thinking about this lately. At work, I can't wait till report cards are done so I can start prepping for Open House. With my Etsy shop, I want to finish the administrative tasks so I can sit down and design. With marriage, I want to feel more financially secure so that we can start having kids. But, I miss out on so much along the way when I focus on the destination and don't enjoy the journey. This Jim Elliot quote popped back into my head as I thought about this and I'm doing my best to live this out everyday and to enjoy the journey.
Followed you over from Weddingbee and thought I'd say hello, so Hello!
ReplyDeleteI can completely relate to this post (I planned my entire wedding in a month - literally. Super sad face because I didn't enjoy the journey), and thank you for writing it down to bring it to realization for me.
Hi Alice! Thanks for following me! Oh my goodness! I can't believe that you planned it in a MONTH! No wonder you didn't enjoy it! But hopefully you'll find lots of things to enjoy post wedding! :)
ReplyDeleteFound you on our SNB team. Your blog is beautiful! I'm currently in college and confide with the whole thinking ahead thing. It can be a big pain actually since when you get there, the cycle starts all over.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Following. :)
Dana
http://danasaurrrr.blogspot.com/2011/03/twenty-cent-giveaway-spree.html