When the Results We Want Require Work we Don't Want

"If you're only in love with the view from the mountaintop, you will fail the climb" -me

Falling in love with the journey feels like the oldest cliche in the book, but it's sentiment continues to live on because of its inherent truth. I've climbed mountains - both real and metaphorical - and in both cases, the breath-taking, awe-inspiring, indescribable view from the top is but a sliver of time in comparison to the time spent preparing and climbing.

Last night, my son spent considerable time grouching about the fact that he had to put his laundry away. We sat and talked. Do you want access to clean clothes in the morning? Affirmative. So, you have to be willing to go through the process to wash, dry and put them away.

And then, I heard myself say this - "often times, the results we want require work we don't want to do."

Sometimes I wonder if God set up our world like that intentioally. A merit based system we rarely take the time to acknowledge. Those willing to learn, grow and work are rewarded. I am convinced that if you seek - and seek diligently and without ceasing, regardless of what setbacks you must navigate along the way - that you will find.

It's not as simple as some would have us believe. It's not always a matter of "wanting it enough." I believe there are millions of people out there desperate for change without any idea how to bring it about, and with will-power muscles so atrophied from disuse that starting seems impossible.

But, if there is life left in you - there is also purpose.

You must choose a path that you love, despite it's hardships. Despite the work - even the work you hate. Falling in love with the process is the only way to find your mountain top - to reach your goal.... mostly, because the mountain-top doesn't last long. If you want to see another one, the process must continue.