CONFESSION OF A JOURNEYMAN

CATEGORY

life

I use to think how better it would be

if I knew then what it is that I know now.

Then the Master reminded me

that if I had not embarked upon the journey,

I would not know what I know now; that if

I did not endure the sojourn to now,

I would not be the strong man coming on.

Yes, as an extracted ebony exodus journeyman,

there have been many seas and rivers to cross;

many waters to wade; many mountains to climb;

and many valleys, plains, and desert to wander.

All have taught and clarified the same seminal lesson:

the journey is more important than the destination.

For it is in journeying that one realizes purpose and vision;

acquiring the knowledge and skills to reach the destination.

I’ve come a long way from where I started from;

and there is still more to journey to the destination.

I may not be where I want to be; I may not be where

I ought to be; I may not be where I’m going to be;

but praises be to God, I am not where I once was.

The ancestors have left footprints for me—a head start;

now I must do the same for those yet to come.

Yes, the journey is more important than the destination;

may I journey to the fulfillment of my foot-printed purpose.

Like Moses, Malcolm, and Martin, I may not get there with you;

 but having journeyed thus far, I know we can and will get there!