The great challenge in life has always been (from my perspective) to "keep your head!" Whether it was in Georgia in a low rent trailer park where a friend had fallen off the ledge of a cliff and was hanging on by the roots 40 feet below a rocky creek (age 4), to racing the trains across the tracks in Iowa (age 8), to running the raging Skykomish river on truck tubs in early June at high season (age 24) you can't afford to PANIC! Panic and fear have always been the enemy of sound decisions and good choices. I have noticed in my short time here on earth that most people tend to over-correct when things start to spin out of control. Like the man who was driving next to me on my way home in the deep of the snow storm last month when he began to spin sideways and then overcorrecting eventually embedded into the snow bank on the side of Highway 99 headed the wrong way. The part that was so amazing to me was the look of horror on his face as we were side by side, with him spinning out of control. He could tell that he was in trouble and overcorrected in the middle of his initial skid causing the loss of total control with a really bad outcome. On my part I just held the course and did not respond to his spin-out.
It is no different with many people who find themselves in a tough spot financially, spiritually, relationally, or in their job-related fields. The thing that seems so right from their perspective in the midst of the spin is often what causes the greatest contribution to ending up completely banked and mired in life's mess. Without exposure and experience the mind wants to follow instincts turning in a direction that is counter to maintaining control. So this begs the question: "What do you do when you start to skid out of control for the first time?" Well, hopefully this first time is in a vacant cul-de-sac or a back road where you can train yourself (muscle mapping) to “turn into” the direction of the skid.
Experience gained in the presence of a mentor while walking through what one may encounter in the future, as well as time at the wheel is so invaluable. Observing experts close up and often, working through life’s challenges is without measure. There are times I have greatly lamented the countless hours I have spent in life struggling through and reinventing what has been available and natural to those who have been exposed to an experienced mentor while “doing life.” They have become imitators of the advantages and opportunities afforded them. They have actively pursued those whose expert shoulders they could rub raw with ambition while they themselves are molded with impression. The mentored are molded with the mundane while making way for the extraordinary in their future. Never to rebuild the footings or moorings, but rather theirs is to build on another’s foundation.
Friend, don’t spend your day reinventing the elementary or mundane while missing the journey and adventure that is yours in Christ. Don’t leave the air space unexplored while nestled in the cockpit on the ground. Fly to new heights!
“Only do that which only YOU can do.”
FIND A MENTOR TODAY and pursue them! Walk with those who reek of experience, expertise and ingenuity!
John 13:15 (Jesus to His disciples)
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
