The new four-lane highway from the core area of the beach toward the east is an interesting highway.

Due to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, the highway ends about four miles east of Portofino. It doesn't go anywhere! That may be true of the highway itself, however, if we get off that main thoroughfare and explore some of the side streets, we may find some interesting things happening.

There are families going about their daily lives; people who have home owned businesses who connect with the world; places on the beach where two people pledge their love to each other and begin their married life together; children and playmates and parents playing and enjoying the sand and water, etc. If we were to stay on that main thoroughfare, we would miss all of those events occurring on the side streets. That is sort of a parable of life.

Some of the most interesting lifechanging experiences, and moments for growth and wonder occur when we change our usual routine and explore other areas and experiences.

I've always enjoyed the poem by Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken." He concludes the poem with these words, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."

Sometimes our jobs take us to new experiences and appreciations; at other times, it may be an issue of health; perhaps a disappointment in ourselves or others; a financial setback, etc.

These detours may not always be chosen, but if we take time to explore them, we may discover insights about ourselves that we never thought possible.

Often, that makes all the difference, and life is never the same again.