Sometime ago there was an American missionary living in a very tiny village. The young woman was a teacher who labored alongside the native people. One night, a boy from the missionary’s class brought her a crudely wrapped gift. The teacher was surprised as this little boy was very poor. What could he possibly give?
The teacher unwrapped the present and inside found an exquisite seashell. Knowing the only place to find the shell was many rugged miles away, she expressed enthusiastic appreciation. “My goodness,” she told him “you’ve traveled so far to bring me such a wonderful present.” At first the boy appeared surprised by her reaction, but his eyes quickly brightened and a wide smile crept across his small face; “oh, teacher,” he explained, “The long walk is part of the gift.”
I love this story because it clearly articulates one of my core beliefs; that the journey is the gift. Think about it — the road you’ve traveled to become the person you are today. Crazy right? How does rocky, dark and scary turn into confidence, compassion and love? It’s a gift.
Have a great week,