The Hill of Pathways

allegory

Imagine the world today is a cone shaped hill, with countless pathways wound around it

A lighthouse shines on the very top and gives light for all those below it

Each person is at a different place on the pathway, after all, there are signs that show which direction leads to which destination

Some people have gone up steep pathways, hanging on by just balancing pebbles

Some have taken smoother pathways than others

But mostly, we don’t actually have the capacity to know which pathway someone has taken or how it has affected them, for they were the ones there for reasons specific to themselves

All pathways have obstacles on them, many people face the same ones, sometimes from opposite sides of the hill

The cries from those who kick at boulders or who have fallen down trenches can be heard from those facing the same obstacle, and they have comfort knowing they are not alone

Sometimes people can hear the cry from behind or in front or to the side of them, and on the good days, they run towards them to push the boulder or pull them back onto the pathway

On the bad days, those who hear the cries change route if it near their path because they are afraid, or they do not turn to help the one who is in need

The bad days make the pathways more challenging for everyone else

Sometimes the paths people take go away from the lighthouse, and lead to valleys where no life grows, but nevertheless, the light still shines

There has been bountiful vegetation, trees and flowers and grasses and all sorts of beauty on the hill through it’s time, usually during and after very steep routes is where it blossoms the most

Right now, most of the pathways on the hill are toilsome, and though there is hope at the top, the pathways are still very hard to get up, in fact, no one can make it all the way to the top of the hill without asking for help and addressing their need for the light to find their footing

If one was to ever reach the top of the hill, they would look back and say “I now see why there was obstacles along the way, for if there was not, I would not be where I am today.”

Reviews

[Brent]

Obstacles do make us stronger. They challenge us to get outside of our comfort zone. And they force us to think in new ways. Interesting allegory of the journey each person takes to accomplish their goals in life. It's so easy for a person to feel alone in their journey.

Whenever I get this feeling, I reach out to other people for support and guidance. Surprisingly, no matter what your goal is, I've found that there are people out there who are willing to help you.