Pass This Way But Once
S7-602-17
The painting is the twelfth in a series of watercolors done to celebrate Wood Badge courses. This one was inspired bya walk through a grove of aspens as described by the course director.
The slogan for this course “See it, feel it, trust it” is written at the top of the painting and repeated by the course director to the staff many times. Whether a participant or a staffer, every Wood Badge course is like walking a path for the first time. You don’t know exactly what you’ll encounter but you know it will be a great journey.
While on the path, you use your eyes to “see” to find your way. The path is worn by footprints of those who came before you. A meaningful walk becomes a sensory experience. You hear the wind stir the branches and birds sing their song. The crisp early morning air bites at your face. The smell of fallen autumn leaves is in your nose. You “feel” and experience so much.
Though you’ve never taken this particular path before, preparation made you ready for whatever lies ahead. You have faith in those who suggested this journey. It’s time to “trust” your abilities.
Pathis a metaphor for any journey we take in life. Before starting on our way, we know our desired destination– our vision. We create a plan and map the intended route. This is our mission. Challengesand obstacles faced along the pathshape and reveal our character- our values.
Reachinga destination may be a worthygoal, but it’s what happens along the path that matters most. That point is beautifully made by Everett’sframed poem that has hung on the wall during our course – and inscribed on this painting:
“I shall pass this way but once.
Any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being let me do it now.
Let me not defer nor neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.”
Pass This Way But Once
S7-602-17
The painting is the twelfth in a series of watercolors done to celebrate Wood Badge courses. This one was inspired by a walk through a grove of aspens as described by the course director.
The slogan for this course “See it, feel it, trust it” is written at the top of the painting and repeated by the course director to the staff many times. Whether a participant or a staffer, every Wood Badge course is like walking a path for the first time. You don’t know exactly what you’ll encounter but you know it will be a great journey.
While on the path, you use your eyes to “see” to find your way. The path is worn by footprints of those who came before you. A meaningful walk becomes a sensory experience. You hear the wind stir the branches and birds sing their song. The crisp early morning air bites at your face. The smell of fallen autumn leaves is in your nose. You “feel” and experience so much.
Though you’ve never taken this particular path before, preparation made you ready for whatever lies ahead. You have faith in those who suggested this journey. It’s time to “trust” your abilities.
Path is a metaphor for any journey we take in life. Before starting on our way, we know our desired destination – our vision. We create a plan and map the intended route. This is our mission. Challenges and obstacles faced along the path shape and reveal our character - our values.
Reaching a destination may be a worthy goal, but it’s what happens along the path that matters most. That point is beautifully made by Everett’s framed poem that has hung on the wall during our course – and inscribed on this painting:
“I shall pass this way but once.
Any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being let me do it now.
Let me not defer nor neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.”