Last Saturday, my wife and I visited the largest nursery I have ever seen. This place (Countryside Nursery in Allendale, MI) has over 10 acres under one roof of flowers, plants, trees, and everything you could ever need to nourish and grow these to ultimate perfection. This place was so busy that they had three police officers directing traffic around the place! This nursery certainly fulfilled all our expectations… and then some!

Our visit to the nursery included two other couples that have been the best of friends with us for around 35 years. The day was filled with catching up with family stories, laughs, and unending needling. These couples are among the most wonderful people I have ever known and my life is richer because of them. I wish everyone had such friends in their life!

Our day made me think (again) that often, the journey is better than the destination. Despite the amazing nursery we visited, our day was a terrific one because we spent the day with good friends. We could have been driving 2-3 hours each way to visit a grocery store and it would have been a good day because of our time together.

How often do we get so caught up in trying to reach a life destination (graduation, marriage, promotion, debt elimination, retirement, etc.) that we simply keep our head down and try to get through the day? You have probably heard many versions of this… “If I can just get that promotion, my life will be better.” Or… “Once my mortgage is paid, everything else will fall into place.” Or… “I can’t wait until my kids graduate and get out on their own.” However, when you look too intently on the destination, you often fail to enjoy the blessings and fun that come with the journey.

Hopefully, I am enjoying the journey, though I have certainly entertained my share of goals and objectives throughout my life. When my days are finished, I want to truthfully say that my regrets were few. I want to be able to say that I enjoyed those days changing diapers, helping with algebra homework, and trying to juggle our finances. I want to fondly remember the good and tough times at work, the deadlines, and thriving despite bad bosses. I want to smile when I think of all the good times along the way. I want to cherish every day I have had with my wonderful wife.

Don’t get so caught up in the day-to-day routine that you fail to savor those good times that, once gone, will never return. As I have said before (check out this link:someday, the last time):

“Some day the last time really will be the last time.”

Take a pause today and look out the window as you travel along a road that you’ll never travel again.