Last week I passed dozens of coffee shops, ten just within three miles of my home, to get to one that was 22 miles away. It was not necessarily for the coffee, but for the journey to a new cafe – to enjoy the drive.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

(NKJV, Proverbs 4:7)

The pace of the world is faster than it ever was. We fly across the world in hours versus days, we surf the web with broadband speed instead of dial-up, and we can heat our food within seconds versus minutes. I will be the first to say, I love technology, when it works. But at times we become so intent on getting to the destination that we miss key moments, scenery, and the hair-blowing breeze of the drive. We make blunders along life’s journey and tend to not learn the lesson. When we become none the wiser, we get to repeat the lesson, even multiple times. Inevitably it costs us unnecessary time, money, and energy. We even take others for granted assuming they will be with us tomorrow. We overlook the joy they bring into our lives or the admirable strengths they exhibit.

With improved awareness, we can make changes in our behaviors and habits. We may not be aware that we are missing fascinating elements of the journey. So here is a call, if not a reminder, to improve our awareness.

During my 22-mile ride to the cafe there was not much traffic, so it was low stress. I noticed new establishments and construction along the way. I observed elaborate Christmas decorations and enjoyed Christmas music. Last year around this season it did not feel like Christmas for me, so this time has been an improvement. I thought about how I would extend a merry Christmas to family and friends. My first visit to this coffee shop was pleasant and icing on the cake for the delightful journey to it. By the time I returned home about three hours later, I felt like I’d gone on my own little refreshing retreat.

I bet you would appreciate, and even love more things along your journey to your goal or destination if you noticed them.

Enjoy the drive…