"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
~Robert Frost
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Yellow Wood
Often, I find myself presented with a choice that doesn't seem to make much difference either way. I think perhaps the most often encountered choice of this kind is whether or not to be offended by something someone does or does not do. I have ample opportunity in my life to think ill of certain individuals. But I have found, as time goes on, that if I think of people as if they care, as if they have good intentions at heart, I feel lighter and happier in life. It doesn't change them often; chances are good that they will remain as rude and self-absorbed as ever, but to me, it makes all the difference.
“Often, I find myself presented with a choice that doesn't seem to make much difference either way”
ReplyDeleteI, like Robert Frost think it makes ”ALL the difference.” It effects our attitudes and well being, as well as our light. Your choice to let things go and not let it bog you down, is a choice you make for your happiness. Making these choices is precisely what we came here to do.
Nice choice!
Hi SilverRain,
ReplyDeleteI have two thoughts about your post.
First, you said "It doesn't change them often...." And in some cases, this may be true. But I think in most cases, even though you may not perceive any change in others, your charitably choosing to believe the good intentions of others must have some influence.
Second, that you are able to consciously choose to think good of those that may have mistreated you and that are able to do so without expecting or seeing any visible sign of their changing is, I believe, a good indicator that you are on the path of discipleship.
Thank you, both of you, for your comments.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking more about this, and think that maybe this is part of the reason we have a Church: to learn to let others be less than perfect, too.
I had a real struggle of this type on Sunday. Someone I'm in a presidency with has a gossiping issue. I emotionally tossed and turned trying to decide if I should confront her. In the end, after much prayer and taking the sacrament I could let it go. Sometimes when I do this I feel ill used, letting myself be a door mat. Thanks for reminding me that it is a good road to take.
ReplyDeleteBut I have found, as time goes on, that if I think of people as if they care, as if they have good intentions at heart, I feel lighter and happier in life. It doesn't change them often; chances are good that they will remain as rude and self-absorbed as ever, but to me, it makes all the difference
ReplyDeleteI like that, because it does make me feel lighter and happier.