INTRODUCTION
Many wisdom stories view life as a journey with many obstacles to cross, and disorienting twists and turns. This particular story focuses on the transiency of our relationships as we embark the Train of Life, which is filled with many hellos and goodbyes. All aboard!
Many wisdom stories view life as a journey with many obstacles to cross, and disorienting twists and turns. This particular story focuses on the transiency of our relationships as we embark the Train of Life, which is filled with many hellos and goodbyes. All aboard!
THE TRAIN OF LIFE
(Adapted from the writing of James S. Tippett, 1885-1958. Note: there many versions of this story on the web)
Life is like a train ride. We get on. We ride. We get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are accidents and there are delays.
At birth, we board the train and meet our parents, our adults or guardians. We believe they will always travel by our side. Sadly, this is far from the truth. They are with us for as long as we absolutely need them. They too have journeys they must complete. At some station our parents or our adults will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.
There are others who board the train and who eventually become very important to us, in turn. These people are our siblings, friends and acquaintances, whom we will learn to love, and cherish.
(Adapted from the writing of James S. Tippett, 1885-1958. Note: there many versions of this story on the web)
Life is like a train ride. We get on. We ride. We get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are accidents and there are delays.
At birth, we board the train and meet our parents, our adults or guardians. We believe they will always travel by our side. Sadly, this is far from the truth. They are with us for as long as we absolutely need them. They too have journeys they must complete. At some station our parents or our adults will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.
There are others who board the train and who eventually become very important to us, in turn. These people are our siblings, friends and acquaintances, whom we will learn to love, and cherish.
Some people consider their journey like a jaunty tour. They will just go merrily along.
At certain stops there are surprises. Some of these will translate into great moments of joy. However, at any moment during our journey, any one of our travel companions can have a weak moment and be in need of our help, especially when encountering loss, upsets, sorrows and tears. We too may vacillate or hesitate, even trip. Hopefully we can count on someone being there to be supportive and offer a helping hand.
At certain stops there are surprises. Some of these will translate into great moments of joy. However, at any moment during our journey, any one of our travel companions can have a weak moment and be in need of our help, especially when encountering loss, upsets, sorrows and tears. We too may vacillate or hesitate, even trip. Hopefully we can count on someone being there to be supportive and offer a helping hand.
Over time some people on the train will step down, but will leave a permanent vacuum and an everlasting impression. Some will get on and get off the train so quickly, and will go unnoticed that we don’t realize they vacated their seats. They will scarcely leave a sign that they ever traveled along with you or ever crossed your path.
Everyone’s journey will be filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, setbacks, hellos and goodbyes. The bigger mystery of our journey is that we don’t know when our last stop will come. Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop. Not even those sitting in the seat next to us.
Everyone’s journey will be filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, setbacks, hellos and goodbyes. The bigger mystery of our journey is that we don’t know when our last stop will come. Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop. Not even those sitting in the seat next to us.
We must live in the best way - love, forgive, and constantly strive to understand our travel companions. We’re all on this train ride together. We must look for the best in everyone, and give the best of ourselves. We should strive to make the ride as pleasant and memorable as we can, right up until we each make the final stop and leave the train for the last time. We should leave behind beautiful memories for those who continue to travel on the train of life.
May your journey be safe, joyful and memorable.
May your journey be safe, joyful and memorable.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What did you find to be the most important part of the story? What resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
