The Road Ahead

AMELIA: “Who are you?”

SAM: “My name is Sam, and I’ve been sent to let you know that you have only one day left to live. Tomorrow at midnight I will return and you must come with me.”

AMELIA: “But I can’t leave tomorrow! Who will take care of my beautiful flowers?”

SAM: “But haven’t you had a lifetime to enjoy your flowers?”

AMELIA: “Well, not really. After graduation, I worked as a manager in a local business, and this demanded most of my time. Soon after, I met my husband and we had two children together. As time went by, I was focused on supporting my family and watching my children grow. Years later, after my husband passed away, my children left home, and I decided to work longer hours until my recent retirement.”

SAM: “What have you been doing, now that you have so much more time for yourself?”

AMELIA: “I haven’t done very much. I’ve spent most of my time trying to figure out where my life has gone.”

SAM: “Have you thought at all about your purpose here? Do you think there was a reason why you were born?”

AMELIA: “I’ve been thinking about this for quite some time, but I’m still not sure why.”

SAM: “I know that you love your family very much, but what do you really love to do?”

AMELIA: “As far back as I can remember, I have always loved trees, and I enjoyed helping my mother in the garden when I was very young.”

SAM: “When you went to school, why didn’t you study what you really enjoyed, so that you could learn more about it?”

AMELIA: “I don’t know. I guess I never thought of it that way.”

SAM: “The focus of your education is to learn more about what you love and to see the interrelatedness of all subjects, for each represents a facet of your life. Just imagine how your life would be, having the chance to work in the garden from the very beginning.”

AMELIA: “My life would have been much different.”

SAM: “In what way?”

AMELIA: “I would have looked forward more to each day, and my work would have been more meaningful to me.”

SAM: “Is there anything else?”

AMELIA: “Maybe I would have stopped worrying so much about what everyone else thought of me. I would have been more comfortable and had more confidence in myself, allowing me to become a more compassionate person. Having more time to do what I love would make it easier to take care of myself and my family.”

SAM: “When you are doing what you love, you will literally be brought to life, seeing the beauty of life and the beauty in others as well. Your love of gardening will inspire others to enjoy life more and follow what they love. Just remember - it is never too late to do what you’ve dreamt about.”

With this, the angel disappeared. When Amelia awoke the next morning, the sun was shining through the window, landing upon this very short story on her nightstand.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Where you decide to go from here is up to you. Although it is very important to follow what you love, it is just as important to put yourself into a nurturing environment where your dreams can grow.

Remember that the fulfillment of any desire takes time, effort, and faith in the process. Make sure that your thoughts, words, and actions are directed towards making your dreams possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your family, friends, and teachers are there to help you.

Work to get yourself closer to your dreams, but take the time to step back and enjoy what you have accomplished so far! Even when things seem to be standing still, have faith that opportunities will come at just the right time for you and that there will always be enough of what you need to make your dreams come true.