“The Train of Life”

Periodically I am moved by a poem or quote that I have read or received.  If you follow me, you know that one of those poems is by Rudyard Kipling “If.”  Recently one of my dear friends, my United States Air Force buddy sent me this.

The Train of Life

 At birth, we board the train and meet our parents, and we believe they will always travel by our side.

As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life.

However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.

Others will step down over time and leave a permanent vacuum.

Some, however, will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize they vacated their seats.

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.

Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down.

So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are.

It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty, we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

I wish you all a joyful journey. -Unknown

Pause and Reflect

Likely you are as moved by this as I am.  I stopped to consider just how true and frankly “spot on” this is; whomever the author is he/she is incredibly wise!

  • How has your journey evolved?  Are you on the right “train;” on the right “track?”
  • Are the right people traveling with you on this journey?  Do they know how much they have impacted your life?
  • Has someone stepped off that needs your forgiveness and an invite to retake their seat on your train?

It’s a New Year

Start your new year off right; by getting right with yourself first.  Share this with your kids, bless them with a hug and tell them how happy you are they are on your train! 

Then, think about all the rest of the seats on your train, who’s with you on your journey of life?

Happy New Year! 

 

8 Comments

  1. Ivan Seligman on November 28, 2022 at 8:49 pm

    The “Train of Life” does have an author-. Jean d’Ormesson
    https://lyricstranslate.com/en/le-train-de-ma-vie-train-my-life.html

    • Clayton Lessor on January 21, 2023 at 1:44 pm

      Thank you!

  2. Sue fitzgerald on November 30, 2022 at 11:13 am

    Don’t wait for a new year we are given a new chance with each new day or hour. And revisit those with whom you have traveled on your journey. With them you have shared recollections. Enjoy this journey. Even if you have lost loved ones your friends can help keep the memories alive.

    • Clayton Lessor on January 21, 2023 at 1:43 pm

      So true, thank you for the comment!

  3. Rogelio Lacsamana on January 2, 2023 at 12:31 am

    “The Train of Life” is a story about the journey of life and the relationships we build along the way. It begins with the main character boarding a train with their parents and meeting other people who become significant in their life, like siblings, friends, and even a romantic partner. As time goes on, some of these people will leave the train, leaving the main character to continue the journey alone. The story highlights the ups and downs of life and the importance of building and maintaining good relationships with the people we meet, as well as striving to be our best selves. It also reminds us that we never know when our own journey will come to an end, so it’s important to make the most of the time we have and to leave behind positive memories for those who will continue on without us.

    • Clayton Lessor on January 21, 2023 at 1:42 pm

      Thank you for the comment!

  4. Malibongwe on January 7, 2023 at 1:03 pm

    This is powerful. It’s touching. Everytime I read it, I cry.

    • Clayton Lessor on January 21, 2023 at 1:41 pm

      Thank you, it is very powerful!

Leave a Comment