Lesson #2: the journey vs. the destination

So I was about 12 when Aerosmith's Amazing hit the radio. And I remember hearing the line "life's a journey not a destination." And I was like, whoa. I get it! How deep. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Mr. Tyler, philosopher though he may be, was not the original author of those words. The song maybe, but not the timeless words of wisdom.

 The old adage takes on a whole new meaning with a toddler. In our little town, we have a great park. A really great park. With a playground specifically for the littlest little ones. Baby swings, a mini slide. And a train. A train! My little E loves trains. And it has the soft rubbery ground and shade, a necessity in sunny FL.

 I like to take him to this park. In fact, when I tell him we're going to the playground, I better be ready to jump in the car because he runs to the door in excitement. He's at an age where he tells me when he wants to get down, "down! play!" he demands as soon as I dare try to carry him on my hip. So as soon as we're on the sidewalk that heads to the playground, I put him down.

He loves to run on sidewalks. And stop and touch storm drains. And manhole covers. And grills (that aren't being cooked on). And benches. And mulch. Whenever I try to take his hand and guide him in the direction of the playground, he pulls his hand away, refusing to be led astray. "But the playground is this way!" I plead. "There'a a train. You love trains!"

He sits down and screeches in protest when I try once again to guide him. He is quite content right where he is, thank you very much. With the sidewalk, and the storm drains, and the manhole covers, and the grills, and the benches, and the mulch. W

hen we (finally) get there, he enjoys the playground very much. He likes to climb and swing and go down the slide as much as any 18-month-old. He just really enjoys the getting there part. He is equally content just being free to run where he pleases and touch what he wants.

For him, the sidewalk and the storm drains, and you get the picture. All of that, the journey to the playground, is just as fun as the playground itself.

 Oh, to be that content again.