THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
In this iconic poem by Robert Frost I have always found something to ponder. As I grow older I have come to many paths that split into two or more ways. I have most often taken the path less frequently used. I think in my life it has made a significant difference. I’m older, and while it may not be “ages and ages” that have passed, some of the major decisions were long ago. Personal choices, business choices, and even spiritual choices. It is not with regret that I ponder, it is with wonder that I glance backward. I have been granted many opportunities to learn, to serve, and to experience. There are things I would have done differently, but most of the time I did try to do my best. Just as I try not to grasp and strive, I avoid living in regret. I still have some time left (perhaps) and I will cherish the time I’m granted, and when my next set of roads diverge I will likely opt for the one less travelled.
May you find inspiration and peace on your journey. I am one traveler among many; perhaps we will meet on a path by the woods. I hope so.
