Later when we discussed with the boys what they had learned during the hike and how it could apply to their daily lives, that particular leader offered up a “life’s lesson” as an example. He explained that when hiking behind me he noticed that I had longer legs than he did. He isn’t a particularly short guy, but I’m a little bit taller and happen to have long legs. He told the boys that it appeared clear to him that with longer legs I was able to travel just a little bit more each and every step of the way than he. Perhaps the difference was only a few inches with each step, but the cumulative result was such that it was difficult for him to keep up.
He explained to the boys that by “lengthening our stride” in our responsibilities in daily life and doing just a little bit more, but doing so consistently, “with each step” we would travel much further and faster and accomplish so much more in life. Sometimes we can become overwhelmed thinking we need to make major investments in time and effort to do something, but often the same can be accomplished with a conscious and consistent effort to do just a little bit extra each day.
- Reading 3-4 pages extra a day equates to over 1200 pages in learning each year. Perhaps 3-4 books.
- Running 8 miles extra a week equates to over 400 miles a year or enough to wear out a pair of good running shoes.
- Watching ½ hour less TV each night equates to about 15 hours of time saved each month. About the same as 2 full work days.
