The Road Not Taken

I snapped this picture today with my IPhone as Kevin and I took the boys out one last time before I head home to Alabama. While uploading this picture onto my computer and studying it for a few minutes I remembered the words of one of my favorite poems, The Road No Taken by Robert Frost. 

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

I realized how real this poem has become in my life. Our lives are shaped by the paths we take and the people that influence us as we wander through them. I met Kevin, Charlie and Rocky's owner, by chance last fall. I had no idea how much that encounter was going to change my life for the upcoming year. Kevin gave me the opportunity to try something new and develop new skills. While my friends were working at the school cafeteria or applying for a job a McDonald's I was learning to drive two beautiful Belgium's in order to work on his farm. Those of you that know me know that I am much happier hanging out with giant horses than working in a retail or drive through fast food environment.

The message that I believe this poem is trying to communicate is the fact that we shouldn't hold ourselves to the beaten path of life. We need to explore and try new things without fear. Jump head first into something even if you aren't completely confident in what you are doing. 

Live, learn, explore, try new things, have adventures and NEVER doubt your own abilities.

I thank Kevin, his wife Julie, and my buddies Charlie and Rocky for inviting me into their lives and making me part of their team. 

Remember today to thank those who have never doubted your potential, put complete trust into your abilities, and help you to continue to grow and learn new things. I am unbelievably BLESSED.