Journeying: Finding the True Value of Life

“Follow the yellow brick road.” In L. Frank Baum’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (later made famous by the 1939 film adaptation, The Wizard of Oz ), these words provide the directions given to Dorothy for how to find the Emerald City and the Wizard who can help her (and her little dog) get home to Kansas.

As one who grew up seeing versions of this novel in movies, plays, and musicals, I remember that these words mark the beginning of a journey that Dorothy takes with various companions she meets along the way. I also remember that the story itself is really more about the journey than the destination. The road is filled with trials, hardships, and obstacles. The Wizard of Oz portrays the most dangerous parts of the path as a wilderness— a haunted forest complete with animated trees and evil flying monkeys.

But perhaps the biggest thing I recall about this story is that it was this journey— with all of its danger and distress— that made Dorothy and her friends into who they really needed to be. Through this journey, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion all became the very things they thought they weren’t (smart, compassionate, and courageous), and Dorothy realized the true value of the life she had at home.