Every Journey Begins...

Holy cow, it’s been a long time! Time for me to repent. Here’s your next serving of philosophical goodness:

Life before death.

Strength before Weakness.

Journey before destination.

These are the words quoted in Brandon Sanderson’s new epic fantasy The Way of Kings. A monster book that is over 1,000 pages long, it holds surprising wisdom in its pages. At one point in the book, one of the main characters is studying the ancient tome named The Way of Kings, which illustrates the strict Codes of conduct required of righteous kings.
The author tells a story about when he decided to leave behind his retinue and escort and travel to a distant city by foot. Although a powerful king, he travels in the clothes of a beggar, depending on others for help and sustenance. He walks barefoot over rocks and hills, finally arriving at his destination weeks later. At first, no one recognizes him at the city gates, but when they realize his true identity, he is whisked away to be bathed, examined, and scolded for his foolish journey. The others in the king’s traveling party arrived quickly and easily, while the king’s feet were covered with calluses. Although they all arrived in the same place, the others remained unchanged by their journey. They were exactly the same as before. Just as arrogant, just as ignorant to a poor way of life. In contrast, the king saw many things on his way, developed strength and saw his people as they truly lived instead of through the veil of bowing, praise, and obedience.
The king considered his journey, and realized that the destination itself had no effect on the people who traveled there. It was the JOURNEY that made the difference. What mattered was how they went, not where they were going. It was the journey that changed the man, not the arrival.
When this story is compared with life and its journey to death, it made so much sense. Everyone is headed for the same fate—death. Every man on this earth will die, whether young, old, rich, or poor. The fate is the same for all. But it is how we live, our journey, that makes the difference. Will we live following the world and taking the easy path? Or will we struggle for what is right and stand strong for what we believe? It is the journey that counts. The journey that changes us into better men. If two people are headed to work, perhaps one man is in a hurry and curses every car who gets in his way. When he arrives at work he is irritable and does nothing but spread negativity. But maybe the other man, who left at the same time, is polite on the road, exercises patience, and decides to think of pleasant things as he waits in the heavy traffic. He arrives at work relieved but cheerful. He spreads his positive attitude and makes his workplace brighter. Same destination. Completely different results.
This story helped me realize that the day to day routines are more important than I thought. What does it matter if I die tomorrow? As long as I have been diligent in my duties, obeyed the commandments day after day after day, I have nothing to fear and nothing to regret. My journey will have made me a better person and I will be able to rejoice in my triumph. This story tells me why the little things are important.