Same Destination, Different Paths

My wife and I took up hiking a few times a week. We walk the same path. Side by side or one behind the other. We tend to stay on the same path.

Every once in a while there will be a deviation from our path. My brain works like water and is always looking for the most efficient route. I calculate, I draw from experience, and apply things I have learned.

I think, "Some expert hiker took this path or it would not be there. It may not be the normal route and that is okay by me if I have done my homework during the walk and think this will simplify the journey."

Those are the moments I will take a different path.

On her path, my wife might climb over a few boulders, duck under a large tree branch, hop across a small stream. Her path has obstacles, possible pitfalls, and is arduous. It's still a great path and it gets her to the destination.

I slip along this "new" path away from the boulder, around the tree, and beyond the stream. I save my breath and energy. My path was different.

Maybe it was the original path but had been forgotten over years by overzealous hikers determined to get to the summit first. Maybe it is a new path carved by someone who figured out an easier way.

We meet up at the summit in the same spot again. We both worked hard and arrived at the same destination.

Sometimes you might not agree with the path others choose to coach in sports. Just know it was calculated, drew on experience, applies things they've learned. They also bet on the wisdom of the experts who'd gone before them.

You may take different paths, but end up at the same destination. You choose yours, and they choose theirs. 

You have to decide whose path was "better".