A wise old man spent each morning walking along the river’s edge. Every few feet, he would stoop down, scoop up some water, and then softly pour the contents of his hand onto a rock near the shore. Curious at the old man’s odd behavior, a youth rowed over to the man one day and asked what he was doing.
“I’m saving lives,” the old man answered. “The wind blows many living things into the river and unless they can dry their wings they will die.”
“This river goes on forever,” the young man laughed. “There must be a thousand insects falling into it every time you catch a breath. You can’t think that you’re making a difference.”
In answer, the old man simply stooped down and scooped a small honeybee into his hand. Gently, he placed the honeybee on a warm, dry stone. “I just made a difference to that life, didn’t I?”
The only significant differences that humans have ever made on this planet have always begun with the small, consistent efforts of an individual who is willing to work as long as it takes to make that difference.
If you don’t believe me, then ask any overnight success how long they worked at becoming successful. Ask anyone who has a fulfilling relationship, how much energy and time went into building that relationship. Ask anyone who has come to terms with who they are, exactly how long it took them to cultivate their sense of self-worth. Or ask anyone who has achieved their dream, how long they worked at accomplishing that dream.
We all know that success takes time. We all know that success isn’t easy. But if that is true, then why do so many people give up before they’ve even begun? Why do so many people look at a challenge, begin to feel overwhelmed, and immediately say that the challenge is too hard?
Perhaps, people have forgotten the power of process…
The power of process is explained and examined further in A River Worth Riding: Fourteen Rules for Navigating Life, which may order from Amazon.com, or from your local book store.
What’s the bottom line on process? Your life is built of nothing but moments. Millions of moments, exactly like the moment you’re experiencing now. You can use those moments to move mountains. You just need the courage to begin, so don’t give up before you start.
Learn to honor the power of process.
Copyright: Lynn Marie Sager 2005
Click on the image above to visit Lesson Eight
Based upon Lynn Marie Sager's A River Worth Riding: Fourteen Rules for Navigating Life, this website examines fourteen rules designed to help people navigate life. Taken one at a time, these rules make for a worthwhile ride...
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