A Warthog's Wisdom

"If we're always looking ahead of what we see, 

how do we know when we get there?"

- Pumba

Strategic Management was one of my favorite classes in college.
I figure it has to do with my love of doing things on purpose.
Living with intention.
Dreaming. 
Planning. 
Moving toward the goal with exacting steps.

I want to live life well. 
And I believe part of that process is knowing why we do what we do.
Our motive, much of the time, for our decisions comes from a sense of where we think we're heading.
There's a goal and we want to get there. 
So, we take purposeful steps to walk toward that goal.
We keep the goal in front of us. 
Ahead of our sightline, that we might stay focused.

But, if you are like me, occasionally you find yourself nearer the goal but having been blind to the journey that got you to that point.

I am very good at focusing on the task when I have something to accomplish. I also know the task is never as rewarding as the relationship. And I am guilty of forfeiting people to production. (Much self-analysis could be done here, but I will spare you).

A new year is here. 
A natural beginning. 
A logical time to evaluate, refocus, set direction. 
I so love to do that.

But it was Pumba's words that got my attention the other day. In the middle of the newness of the year that begs for my purposeful thought and planning, all I could hear were the resounding words of an animated warthog.

"If we're always looking ahead of what we see, 

how do we know when we get there?"

- Pumba

Would I know when I've reached my goal? Am I too busy moving on to the next goal and strategy that I've failed to enjoy the path that led me there? 

I know it's trite, but it's truth...that one must enjoy the journey. 
I know it's trite but it's truth...that the end doesn't justify the means.

Oh, I know. I know "Cat's in the Cradle" has been sung enough. The hat of accomplishment hangs on the peg of regret. And I know it's banal, overstated, tired.

But, what about me? Do I get it? Really get it?

Of what value is production without presence? 
Of what benefit is accomplishment without memory?

I want to be intentional and purposeful for the future and for today. 
I want to strive for the yet-to-be while basking in the right-here-and-now.

Is it possible? Can this tension be appeased?
This is my year to try. 
My year to be present in this day so that my tomorrow is a joy to receive.

Here's to being present on purpose.