Obstacles

Obstacles. 

"If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere," are the words of politician Frank A. Clark. Why does it seem that human nature wants to naturally lead us down the easy path? Most of us don't go out actively looking for trouble, however, in life many things that are worth pursuing will present some obstacles along the way. 

Nowhere is this more clear than in watching my eight month old grandson attempting to  maneuver his world. He is desperately wanting to go vertical, except that he doesn't quite have the whole balance thing down yet. So every time he struggles to pull himself up chances are he will be back down in a matter of seconds. The interesting thing, though, is that it doesn't seem to bother him too much. He just continues on and tries again. He has some important work to do and is quite determined to be successful. 

I'm not quite sure when this sense of purpose begins to change, and we start looking for the easy way?  When do we acquire the idea that everything should go smooth as silk with no bumps along the way? Why do some of us give up easily if things don't work out perfectly the first time? 

Clark points out that if obstacles are not present we may just be on a path to nowhere. If you have persevered in times of adversity, you probably have seen the value of your hard work. Don't go looking for the easy path, rather maneuver the obstacles and take a more meaningful path.