One day, a traveler encountered a saint resting by the roadside and inquired about the distance to the nearby village and the time it would take to arrive. The saint, without uttering a word, rose from his seat and began walking alongside the traveler.
Perplexed and slightly unnerved by the saint's unexpected behavior, the traveler attempted to dissuade him. "Please, sir, you needn't trouble yourself," the traveler insisted. "I merely sought directions."
Undeterred, the saint continued to accompany the traveler silently. After walking together for some time, the saint eventually halted and delivered his response. "It will take you two hours to reach the village," he announced.
The traveler was taken aback. "Why did you not inform me earlier?" he exclaimed. "There was no need for you to walk with me."
The saint calmly explained, "I could not estimate the time without knowing your walking speed. The duration of the journey is not determined solely by distance but also by the pace of the traveler. Now that I have walked alongside you, I can accurately predict that it will take two hours for you to reach the village."
This encounter served as a poignant reminder that progress is dictated by one's speed and commitment. Just as in a physical journey, the journey of life requires determination and effort. By dedicating oneself wholeheartedly to the path, one can traverse great distances and achieve their goals. Delaying or hesitating only prolongs the journey, whereas embracing the journey with vigor and intensity allows one to arrive at their destination sooner.