I asked a group, “Are you the same today as you were ten years ago?”

One word was used to describe what caused the transformation in each person.

Experiences.

But it seems that life is set up to give us shortcuts that rob us of experiences.

A glaring example is the college transfer portal. Great reasons exist to transfer schools. And, to be honest, I would do the same thing given the opportunities before students today. But I wonder if a quick transfer robs some students of experiences that would serve them great in life. Experiences that teach grit, perseverance, prayer, relationships, the value of a team.

I read an article that listed top ten career advice tips. Number three was to switch companies early and often to acquire the largest salaries and biggest titles. I get it, and I do understand that tip. However, does the rapid change in companies cost a person more in experiences than any amount of money can buy? Experiences that build deep relationships, teach loyalty. Money and titles can never provide the depth of experiences gained from longevity.

The longer you live, the more you realize that the best things in life have no shortcuts.

The trust and understanding of a spouse or a friend that is gained from a long marriage or friendship, walking shoulder-to-shoulder through life. The resiliency learned from the hard season at work. The grit gained from the perseverance through a storm. The understanding of being on a team that achieves the long-term goal, journeying the long path together to victory. The belief that is instilled from knowing that you did it.

Experiences transform us.

And shortcuts rob the process.

I’m thankful for the gift of today.

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