Destiny’s Path

Have you ever noticed that just when you think you’ve figured out your life path, another adventure unfolds? When this happens, preconceived ideas of what is important begin to morph into new possibilities. This is the essence of adventure. This is the mystery of faith.

I noticed this path (in the above photo with the poem) while exploring the picturesque Stanford University campus with my son, Josiah. He’s attending the GBS, Graduate Business School, and I enjoyed seeing him alive with possibilities.

I feel so energized when I’m walking around the campus that forms world changers.

As he talked about what he’s learning, I tried to soak in the atmosphere tinkling with opportunities. 

I then returned to my already planned out life and found myself whispering in the night, “I am willing for change.” I decided in that moment, “I want to be like Josiah who is always willing to take risks.”

When Josiah was twelve years old, his teacher took him on a field trip to UCLA. That day was a life-changing event, for he returned and told me, “Mom, when I walked around that campus, I said to myself, “Someday I’m going to go to college there.”

When we toured UCLA during the orientation day, I looked up and saw his name inscribed on a building called “The Josiah Royce Hall.” I then said to him, “Josiah, this is your destiny.”

Who would have dreamt that a little boy, once so angry over his parents’ divorce, would have overcome all odds and end up at UCLA?

When we toured the Stanford campus, he turned to me and said, “Mom, guess what the founders of the campus named their son? Josiah.”

We both smiled and knew destiny’s path had brought him to this place.

So whatever your dreams are, whether big or small, be willing to set them aside if another path opens up to you. Don’t worry about missing the opportunity because it will seize your heart and draw your eyes towards another way you never dreamed you would go. You won’t be able to resist it because it will compel you to pursue.

This is the essence of adventure. This is the mystery of faith.