Are We There Yet?

If you’ve ever traveled with young children, this question can be heard over and over again.  Of course, the very young do not have a proper concept of the passing of time so explaining that there are still several hours to go doesn’t really register with them.  Often, they ask the question not because they in a hurry to get there, but because they are tired of traveling.  It is much the same with older folks as well.  It seems like we will never get to our destination.  However, sometimes, we just need to slow down and enjoy the trip.

When you are on a hiking trip or out practicing your bushcraft skills, take time to really be aware of your surroundings.  At the risk of sounding like a Middle Eastern Guru, while the destination is what we look forward to, the journey is actually important.  The end does not justify the means.  Sometimes we are so fixated on getting someplace, the summit of a mountain, a lovely lakeside camp or a waypoint on our map or GPS, that we hurry right past beautiful views, wildlife and other special items of interest.  Slow down, look around you.

Some of the resources that you will need for camp at night are found along your journey, such as materials for your tinder bundle or bird’s nest to start your fire.  Collect them as you go for they may not be readily available at your campsite or a sudden cloudburst can dampen everything you need.  The old saying is that “You make hay while the sun shines,” and the same is true for tinder and kindling collection.  Collect the materials while it is sunny and warm and dry for it will not always be that way and collect some extra for the entire next day may be soggy and wet and you always need to be thinking about the next fire.

But mostly, the hurried pace of our modern lives intrude into our vacations and wilderness experiences.  We are in such a rush to get someplace that we push and push and push so that we don’t gain the healing experience that we need from being in the natural environment.  Part of the joy is the journey!  Learn from your surroundings.  Take time to smell the roses along the way.  Munch a few blackberries.  Pick  up a few sticks and twigs.  You will get there when you get there.

Sometimes busyness of life makes us long for our children to be grown (At least a little bit more) or to go on that long-planned vacation, or to just get the business trip over with.  But every part of life is precious and time passes so quickly.  God gives us many blessings along the way.  I know Heaven is real and I want to go there someday, but there is much to enjoy along the whole journey of life and I don’t want to miss any of the good things He has planned for me.  Even the difficult times have their blessings.  We love the mountaintop experiences with God but it’s down in the Valley where we can smell the sweetness of the Rose of Sharon and experience His closeness.  The God of the mountain is still God in the valley.  We’re not there yet children, so keep your eyes on the Saviour and enjoy the journey with Him!

James B.

PS. You can check out my website where you can set up training for many of these skills at www.waypointsurvival.com and look at and order my custom knives at www.benderknifeworks.com.