This beautiful quote from a poem by Robert Frost is thought provoking. The symmetry of the verse challenges you and comforts you at the same time.

There are two distinct parts …First, “And did you get all you wanted from this life” … ? The second? “… even so?”

I’ve spent some wonderful years accomplishing much. Much of what I’ve “wanted” to “get” … maybe less of what I needed.

And did I get all I “wanted from this life” … ? Maybe.

But Frost’s insightful, final two words, “even so.” are haunting in their simplicity. I’ve built a resume. “I did this, I did that.” I had this experience. I’ve tried to live my life filling it. I raised a great family. Built three businesses. Had the privilege of coaching, guiding others through their life’s journey. Had impact on many great people. Truly joyous. I can picture it all. Some vivid. Some of it too distant to fully recall. Memories, experiences are indeed a magical part of our journey. Nostalgia, visiting our pasts can be so helpful. Nourishing., trips, going to new places. More so in my older years. Maybe even got all I “wanted.”

Certainly a lot …

Then the words, “even so” The second part of the verse.The trials we’ve experienced to get there …  to “get all we wanted from this life.” The missteps along the way. The regrets. Some guilt too … still lingering inside us. From happiness to sadness and everywhere in between. Our challenges remind us of prices paid to become who we have become. “get what we wanted.” But without the challenges we could never truly appreciate our accomplishments. Find true comfort in them. As I shared on a prior post, “the deeper you’ve been, indeed … the higher you go.” From great challenge to great comfort, appreciation.“And did you get all you wanted in this life … even so?” A great opportunity to revisit your experiences in your life and reflect. Especially during this season celebrating joy …  a new year and its promise of renewal … even so.