Opportunity vs. Wisdom

In 2005 as I was traveling through Montana on our way back to Wisconsin from Oregon, I exited onto Highway One from the Interstate to find gas. As I traveled the two mile trek to the nearest gas station I passed a sign pointing to the right that said “Opportunity”. I thought to myself, “How nice, opportunity is just to the right, down that little road!” Perhaps I should forget my quest for gas. Should I turn right and take the road to opportunity?

Just a bit further down the highway, another sign appeared. A similar, nondescript road, this time to the left, it led to “Wisdom”. Interesting, two important paths, but in different directions.

If I had to choose a direction, what would I choose? What would you choose? Does one travel down the path of opportunity to reap what rewards may lie ahead? Do we hope that if given the opportunity, we will gain the wisdom we need to make the most of it? Or do we need wisdom first? If we were to travel down the path of wisdom instead, would we be wise enough to seek out the opportunities life has to offer without having to travel down opportunities path?

Questions swirled in my head yet as I pumped my car full of gas; wisdom…opportunity…opportunity…wisdom? As I traveled back down Highway One to return to the interstate, I was reassured by the journey that I had chosen.

Wisdom was now located to the right and opportunity to the left, proving indeed that both lie in each direction, in all directions. Both to be discovered; to be found on any given path. The road, whatever road it maybe, Interstate One or a metaphorical prose links all other roads together.

What I learned? Make sure you have a full tank of gas. No matter if you chose to turn right, go left or just continue on straight ahead, you’ll need a full tank of gas.

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Amy is the Director of Career Services at Herzing College Online and teaches career development courses for the online campus. Email her at achastek@onl.herzing.edu or visit http://www.herzingonline.edu.