Just a Little Story

So there I was just merrily going down the path of "Peace, Love and Joy" - singing and skipping along rejoicing in the wonderful feelings that I was experiencing. I had been on that path for some time and knew it was the 'right road'. I was so happy to have finally found it and told myself I would be sure to stay on this road - knowing it would take me to my destination.

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So - there I am - like Dorothy - skipping down the 'Yellow Brick Road' - when something catches my attention. Something a little dark, a little smelly, a little ugly - but interesting enough to stop and take a look. So - I pick this 'thing' up and look more closely at it. I examine it and try to determine what it is. That wasn't so bad - but then - I put it in my pocket and took it with me as I continued on my way down the path of "Peace, Love and Joy". Immediately my step became a little slower, my song just a little quieter and my feeling of rejoicing - just a little less joyous! But -- at the time I don't think I really noticed the difference - having stopped for a while - I thought I was moving along just as I had been before.

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Ok - so now I am moving along at a pretty good pace, pretty happy - with this 'thing' in my pocket. Every so often this 'thing' in my pocket begins to wiggle and squirm and so I have to stop and tend to it - focusing my attention it because it keeps poking me. Adjustments made - I proceed down my path again. A little slower than before - a little quieter - but determined. Again the 'thing' becomes wrestles - again my attention is focused on it - and making it fit comfortably into my pocket. It seems that it is bigger than when I first picked it up - hmmm - how could that be? What would cause that to happen?

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Oh well - I'm off - once more I focus on my destination and continue on my journey. I seem to be moving a little slower than before. I guess I must be getting tired. I have been doing a lot of singing and dancing - maybe I better slow down and rest. Instead of hurrying to my goal I'll just walk - I'll still get there. Oh - that 'thing' in my pocket is really getting demanding now! I have to stop more often to adjust it so that I will be more comfortable with it. The times I am stopped seem to be longer than the times that I am on the move. My progress has become very slow - if I am making any progress at all. There goes that 'thing' again - needing more and more of my attention. Why did I pick it up in the first place? What made me put it in my pocket?

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I finally realize that carrying it has stopped my travel on the path of "Peace, Love and Joy". There is nothing about it that is attractive or comforting - nothing beautiful or valuable. This time when I look at it I see what it is doing to me. It is an unnecessary weight that has made an unnecessary change in my plans. Finally I decide to discard the 'thing' and get on with my journey. As I place it down by the side of the path I see that it shrinks back to the size it was when I first saw it. It needs attention I guess. Someone else will pick it up.

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As I continue down the path I can feel my step is lighter and quicker - the song has returned and I am rejoicing again! Do you suppose that 'thing' made the difference? Oh - and look at that - the more I sing and rejoice the cleaner my pocket gets. - - that 'thing' had left some unpleasant reminders of itself. Well - here I am on my way again!! Singing and rejoicing and determined to reach my goal. I am not going to let anything get in the way of my progress this time! How wonderful it is to be on my way again. Oh --- look at that --- along side the path -- what is that??