In 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered what came to be known as, “The New World,” when he sighted land off the islands now called the Bahamas.  However significant this was to the outcome of world history, it wasn’t what Columbus was expecting or hoping for.  His intent had been to sail directly across the Atlantic Ocean to Japan, so that Spain could beat Portugal in the race toward the “East Indies.”  What he found instead was an entire hemisphere encompassing two continents, and a place in history as the man who discovered a new world!

Although most of us will not be remembered by history for the journeys we take, we have all encountered unexpected things along the way.  The tragedy is when we cannot enjoy the unexpected blessings of today because of our intense striving for tomorrow.  In all, Columbus made three more trips trying to find a route to Japan.  The wondrous riches he had discovered just weren’t enough; He couldn’t enjoy what he had found because he had not yet achieved what he had set out to do!

Whatever goals one may have in his life: career, riches, fame- they’re not worth ignoring all the beautiful “stuff” along the way.  As one wise man said, “The best part of a journey is not the destination, but the journey itself.”  Others have encouraged us to, “stop and smell the roses.”  In short, we must be a people who are constantly on the lookout for blessings to appreciate, for if we are too caught up in reaching our goals, we might miss some very special things along the way!