Joy in the Journey

Morning Story and Dilbert

Vintage Dilbert
July 29, 1998

If you have ever been discouraged because of failure, please read on.

For often, achieving what you set out to do is not the important thing. Let me explain.

Two brothers decided to dig a deep hole behind their house. As they were working, a couple of older boys stopped by to watch.

“What are you doing?” asked one of the visitors.

“We plan to dig a hole all the way through the earth!” one of the brothers volunteered excitedly.

The older boys began to laugh, telling the younger ones that digging a hole all the way through the earth was impossible.

After a long silence, one of the diggers picked up a jar full of spiders, worms and a wide assortment of insects. He removed the lid and showed the wonderful contents to the scoffing visitors.

Then he said quietly and confidently, “Even if we don’t dig all the way through the earth, look what we found along the way!”

Their goal was far too ambitious, but it did cause them to dig. And that is what a goal is for – to cause us to move in the direction we have chosen; in other words, to set us to digging!

But not every goal will be fully achieved. Not every job will end successfully. Not every relationship will endure. Not every hope will come to pass. Not every love will last. Not every endeavor will be completed. Not every dream will be realized.

But when we fall short of our aim, perhaps we can say, “Yes, but look at what we found along the way! Look at the wonderful things which have come into our life because we tried to do something!”

It is in the digging that life is lived. It constitutes the joy in the journey.

Life may not be the party we hoped for… But while we are here, we might as well dance. If we can’t see the bright side let’s polish the dull side.

Author Unknown - Please comment if you know the author
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7 comments
  1. You are right! Goals fuel our desire to accomplish just about anything! The trick is to enjoy the journey and be grateful what the universe provides!

    Cheers
    Jim

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Wow. What a great story with a powerful message. Those of us nearing or experiencing retirement can find ourselves thinking about goals unreached, dreams unrealized, and hopes unfulfilled. But we can find joy in the treasures discovered along the way, or better yet, in the treasure we’ve invested in others. ‘Appreciate the encouraging and positive outlook on life, Kenny!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. After a recent public failure I appreciate this story! Thank you. I will keep my eyes peeled for what is to be found and what I may continue to find along the way!
    All the Best, Julia

    Liked by 1 person

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