A few months ago, I had to make a quick dash to the grocery store. The store had an indoor car park on the ground floor and a much bigger car park in the basement. However, I don’t like parking in the basement and avoid it if I can.

On this fateful day, there were only a couple of parking spaces available on the ground floor and there were a few cars in front of me, waiting to park.

I had just driven past a bay, when a man, approached it with his cart full of groceries. He transferred his shopping into the boot. All this time, I hadn’t moved an inch, and was just a few metres away from his car. When he was done,  he signalled to me that he was going to drive out and I could park in the bay.  By this time, there was a car behind me, and it was impossible to reverse into the bay. He then signalled to me to go round the car park by taking a short cut which bypassed the queue. Given there was no way for me to find an empty bay on the ground floor,  I obliged and went ahead.

Shortly after driving off, I found an empty bay very close to the exit. Simply because this bay was closer to the exit, I preferred this spot to the previous one and I attempted to park there. There was only one challenge; there were a two speed bumps near the bay. Now let me share some fun facts about my driving habits;

1) I love driving
2) I rely heavily on the 360° camera while parking
3) I’m better at reverse parking than forward parking and 9 out of 10 times, I reverse park. 

I tried several times to park in the bay, but the two speed bumps were an obstruction  and I just couldn’t park the car. Finally I gave in and decided to return to the previous bay. By now the queue had increased and it took a bit longer to get there. I was certain the man had seen me trying to park in the other bay from his mirrors. Yet he waited.

As I approached the spot, I noticed that he was very calm, relaxed and with a smile. I couldn’t help but think of God – ever so patient, ever so loving, always seeking to do us good. Many times God gives us an instruction, but distractions along the way lead us off course or we think there’s a better way of getting it done. If we would only follow God’s instructions to a T, we would save ourselves a lot of time and “heartache”. If you’ve ever found yourself wandering off God’s path for your life, there’s only one solution, find your way back. He’s patiently waiting and he doesn’t count our wrongs against us.

To the driver of the other car, thank you so much being a gentleman. God bless you

Note to self: be patient, less distractions and follow God’s instructions.

God bless
…………………………………………………

Some scriptures to ponder on

Proverbs 14:12 KJV
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.

Jeremiah 29:11 TPT
Here’s what Yahweh says to you: “I know all about the marvelous destiny I have in store for you, a future planned out in detail. My intention is not to harm you but to surround you with peace and prosperity and to give you a beautiful future, glistening with hope.

#lifelessons #carpark #direction #decisions #instructions #patience #followingGod #smilinggurl #Christian #nonfiction #storyteller

It was the first week of March, and it had been snowing for about a week. This would have been okay almost anywhere else in the world, but not London. Everything comes to a halt when it snows. And when its been snowing for an entire week, you might as well get ready for the battle of the Armageddon – well maybe that’s an exaggeration but it’s almost comparable.

 

A few days before the snow began, I was with a friend who shared her immediate short term goals with me. At the end of the conversation, she said to me; “By this time next week, I would have …” As expected of me, I responded with an “Amen”. However, I didn’t believe it was achievable. Heavy snow had been predicted and the actualisation of this goal was heavily dependent on other people. I was convinced that these people would be unavailable as a result of the snow. But there was no need to dampen her spirit by mentioning it to her.

 

The new week started and the meteorologists were accurate to a T, as the snow kept on falling. Meanwhile in church, we were due to have a program at the weekend (Saturday), with attendees travelling from various other cities. Trains in and out of London were either severely delayed or cancelled and the roads were also affected.

 

In spite of all the disruptions, plans went ahead to make the program a memorable one for all the delegates. By Friday, the entire country looked like it was in a Snow Globe and it was obvious that only a handful of people would be able to attend the program. After work on Friday, I decided to attend my weekly Friday prayer service in church. The journey took much longer than usual, due to disruptions to the transport system. I finally made it to church 5 mins before the end of the service and wondered if it was worth it. As I walked into the church hall, the congregation were being led in the final prayer for the service. It was a prayer for the following day’s program. We prayed for the snow to stop and clear up. We prayed for the delegates attending, the various modes of transport. We prayed that it would be a beautiful experience for all.

 

The service closed and I exchanged pleasantries with a few people. I was in church for no more than 15mins, and I was surprised to see that it had stopped snowing, and light rain had replaced it.

 

……….

 

I had had a busy week that week, and only managed to catch up with my friend late on Friday evening. Well, my intention was to console her, as I was certain not much had happened during the week. She picked up her phone after a couple of rings and the voice at the other end was chirpy. She excitedly filled me in on her amazing week and the progress she had made. She had secured some appointments for the following week and they all looked promising. Her goal was almost a reality and I couldn’t help but wonder how she accomplished so much despite the severe weather conditions. Saturday came and we had over 90% of the expected delegates in attendance. It was such a beautiful day and the snow had stopped. Heavy rain fell overnight, and cleared up the snow. It was unbelievable but I knew it was God!

 

During my conversation with my friend, I asked her how she was able to make so much progress in a week and she recounted to me how she got busy with her goal. She had made a declaration of her faith, and followed it with definite actions. She maximised everyday and eliminated all excuses. A few days afterwards, she accomplished her goal.

 

That weekend, I was reminded again that we can effect changes in our world through prayers. Prayers activate spiritual principles. It is important to understand these principles. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that prayers don’t work. Yet, when you have prayed, you are required to take corresponding actions of Faith. You don’t have to wait for the storm to clear. Take your bold steps of Faith. Remember “You Can Change Anything”.

 

God bless!

 

Some scriptures to ponder on:

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing – Proverbs 20:4 (KJV)

The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God–it is dynamic and can have tremendous power] – James 5 vs 16b (AMP)

#timesandseasons #lifeslessons #smilinggurl #winter #snow #prayer #faith #leapoffaith #storiesthatinspire #inspiration #london #snowinlondon #walkoffaith

Somewhere in the city of Seattle, lies the world famous market stall; Pike Place Fish Market. This is not your regular market stall. As the name suggests, it’s a fishmonger. One renowned for injecting doses of happiness and laughter to its customers and onlookers as the staff gleefully chant out customers orders after them and playfully toss the fish around. In 1991, CNN recognised it as one of the 3 most fun places to work in the entire United States of America. It has featured in movies (including Free Willy) and TV commercials. Books, articles and journals have also been written about it. One of such books is Fish by Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen.

 

A former colleague gave the book to me a few years ago, whilst I was working at the firm that I wrote about in my post titled “Journey”. I forgot all about it until about a year later. I had finally secured a new role in another organisation. As I cleared my desk on my final day, I found the book at the bottom of my drawer. I decided that it was time to read it.

 

The book tells the fictional story of a lady who was brought in to manage a team of unmotivated staff and upon discovering Pike Place Fish Market stall, she takes her staff there to observe the fishmongers at work. Although the lady and her staff are fictional, the story behind Pike Place Fish Market is true. Their story wasn’t always one of happiness and loads of customers. They turned the destiny of the company around by going from almost bankruptcy to a thriving business with worldwide recognition. Hereby, improving their own lives whilst enriching the lives of their customers and many all over the world. They accomplished all of these by simply changing their business approach and attitude. There are 4 lessons to be learnt from the book;
1. Choose your attitude – consciously do this everyday. It’ll help you enjoy your day and your life;
2. Play at work – it helps you enjoy your work and bond with colleagues;
3. Make someone’s day – you’ll feel happier by doing this;
4. Being present – enjoy the now. Don’t dwell on your past too much. Be forward looking.

 

As I read it, I couldn’t help but wish that I had done so much earlier. It would have changed my disposition towards the job and maybe I would have enjoyed working in the firm. I honestly cannot begin to mention the many aspects of the job that I did not enjoy, and Yes they were all with valid reasons. But it wasn’t always like that. Firstly, I accepted the role. It was never forced on me. I celebrated the job when I got it. I was ecstatic about getting the role and thanked God profusely. However, after a few weeks into it, I started to feel very different about it and began to moan. I moaned about it to everyone and anyone that would listen (well except my colleagues). But I never failed to tell my colleagues about my previous work places, and all the joys they brought; clearly indicating that I did not enjoy my current one. I must have sounded like a broken record as I repeated the same things again and again. I recall my colleague saying to me as he handed me the book; “I think you should have this, you’ll like it”.

 

Although the Fish Philosophy is applied to the work environment, the principles are applicable to other areas of our lives. There will be moments in life, when we find ourselves in challenging situations or circumstances, which could affect our moods, attitude and disposition. Rather than allow those situations and the challenges dictate your mood or attitude, you can choose your attitude on a daily basis. I’ve observed that this helps to eliminate worry, which ultimately affects your attitude.

 

It’s our responsibility to see to it that we enjoy our day. Your happiness is not dependent on someone else. Play and laugh with those around you and irrespective of what happens always remind yourself that “Life is Easy”. Finally live in the present. Enjoy your today and position yourself for a much greater tomorrow.

 

Finally, some scriptures for you to ponder on:

 

Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad! (Philippians 4: 4 CEV)

And give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭NCV‬‬)

A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs‬ ‭17:22‬ ‭AMPC‬‬)

Don’t always be asking, “Where are the good old days?” Wise folks don’t ask questions like that. (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:10‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

 

#attitude #makesomeonesday #behappy #enjoythemoment #pikeplace #pikeplacefishmarket #cnn #fish #fishphilosophy #stephenlundin #seattle

Kids do say the darndest things, leaving our jaws dropping and eyes popping out of their sockets. I’m often left speechless or in stiches by some of the things my nieces say. There have been several moments when I’ve wondered “how old are you again?” Yet, there have been times when I have learnt some vital lessons that have changed my mindset about various things. One of such moments happened a few years ago, when two of my nieces (Jojo and Didah) who were 4 and 3 respectively at the time, saw me taking the communion at home. Their curiousity to know what I was doing, led them to ask questions about the communion. After carefully explaining it to them, they asked to have some and subsequently joined me in taking the communion whenever they came to mine.

 

I was quite fascinated by the manner in which they “consumed” it. They snacked on the wafer like it was popcorn and sipped on the cup like it was a cup of slush. This was always followed by a tummy rubbing ritual (even on occasions when we used water for the cup). Yet they displayed an understanding of the sacredness of the communion and eagerly looked forward to it.

 

On a certain day whilst taking the communion, I told them to ask God for the one thing they wanted most in the world. Didah asked for something trivial; probably toys or something for her dad (she’s a daddy’s girl). I have no recollection of her request but it seemed reasonable for her age. Jojo on the other hand said – I want to always finish my food, so that mum does not get upset with me.

 

My mouth was wide open in astonishment, as my mind replayed the many things I desired. In my adult mind, the ability to finish a plate of food was definitely not something to pray about. I felt like I had just handed her a blank cheque to cash-in and she had ripped it into pieces right in my presence. “You don’t have to take the communion for that!” I responded. The second those words came out of my mouth, I remembered that she was only 4 and being able to finish her food was quite a big feat for her. I had seen her struggle to finish her food on a number of occasions. Her tiny waistline didn’t help matters either as we all attributed it to her eating habit. I quickly followed those words with an apology and a cuddle, holding her hands as we prayed, broke the bread and took the cup.

 

As I laid in bed later that night, I pondered on all that transpired between the kids and I as we took the communion. I was reminded that our challenges are unique to us. While others may not be able to relate with/to it, those challenges are ours to work out with our faith.

 

More importantly, I realised that there are moments when we unknowingly look down on someone else’s situation. I had assumed that Jojo’s request was of no substantial value, and as such I was quick to dismiss her request. I’m sure that I must have gone through a similar phase as a child and now that I can eat three meals all at once, I had passed judgement on a little girl going through the same phase.

Four years have rolled by since that event. Jojo is now 8, she’s in year 4, still very slim, but she can eat down a house (just like her aunty). There have been moments when I felt tempted to say to her – “Girl you can eat!” Then I remember that there was a time when this was her greatest desire and she had prayed to God about it.

 

So whatever challenge may be presenting itself to you, I’ll like to remind you that “This too shall pass”. Yes, we’ve heard that time and time again but the truth is it’s a phase. Trust God to see you through it and don’t cave in. You’ll surely come out bigger, wiser and stronger. As my brother recently pointed out to me, “Challenges makes Champions”. You can go ahead and call yourself a CHAMP!

 

God Bless xx

 

Just a few scriptures for you to ponder on

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. “1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)”

This slight momentary trouble of ours is working to produce a weight of glory, passing and surpassing everything, lasting for ever; “2 Corinthians 4:17 (NTE)

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. “1 Petert 5:7 (AMPC)

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. he will not permit the godly to slip and fall. (Psalm 55:22)

#lifeslessons #smilinggurl #blog #blogpost #kids #kidssaythedarndestthings #kidsandthethingstheysay #challenges #strengths #champions #thistooshallpass #lessonsfromachild #communion #breakingbread

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Certain incidents over the last few months got me thinking about the impact of assumptions on our decisions. Simple day-to-day tasks such as travel route, task schedules, etc., are determined based on assumptions. In essence, Assumptions are a part of life.

As I ruminated over the impact of assumptions on our decisions, a certain shopping escapade with my sister and her kids a few years ago came to mind. We had just driven into a car park and were trying to find an empty parking bay, when the car in front of us stopped abruptly. Two hefty men with huge muscles jumped out of the car and marched towards us. Each step they took felt like a loud thud to the ground. Kidnapping scenes from various TV series and movies flashed across my mind. I am a big fan of the hit TV series “24” and at that moment, I felt like I was in one of the episodes. All I could think of was; how would Jack Bauer tackle this situation?

With just a few seconds to spare, I did a quick survey of the environment to plan an escape route. Plan A – reverse out of the car park and drive off at great speed (thankfully, there were no cars behind us). Plan B – scream for help (there were many people around who could come to our aid and alert the police). As I began to yell out “lock the doors and reverse” to my sister, the men stopped at the boot of their car. They opened it, grabbed their work bags and walked off in a different direction.

Phew! What a relief! Those seconds seemed to have lasted forever. My sister’s facial expression gave away her thoughts; they were the same as mine. Our initial shock wore off quickly and we burst out laughing. We wondered how we misjudged the situation, without uttering a word to each other.

The inarguable fact of that situation was that the men were headed in our direction. But the truth was that they were going to get things from the boot of their car. Facts don’t always give us all the required information. Truths do and often times, they are not so glaring. How many times have we made assumptions about a situation and found ourselves to be in the wrong? Often times, a little bit of patience helps us make valued and accurate conclusion of situations, which enables us to take the best course of action.

Our assumptions are often fed by the information we imbibe. We make conclusions from them which results in our actions. Filter the information you receive. Take the needful out of it and dump the rest. I have decided to base my assumptions on the truth of God’s word. If I can think the best of that situation, circumstance or individual, then I can get the best out of that situation/circumstance or individual.

God Bless.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4 vs 23 (NLT)

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Philippians 4 vs 8 (MSG)

#lifeslessons #assumptions #facts #truths #actions #decisionmaking #information #24 #24extra #jackbauer #fear #kidnapping

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P.S We turned One a few days ago, and I just want to seize the opportunity to say Thank You to everyone who’s been part of the journey. Thank you all for making a dream a reality. For over twelve years, I dilly dallied on starting a blog. I’m glad I finally took the bold step. So many lessons learned over the last one year, but the most important one is; “It’s Never Too Late to Start. Follow Your Heart and Let Your Passion Propel You”.

Saturday nights in my single gender secondary school was synonymous with Choir Practice. This was not your regular choir practice. It was a praise and worship session for all students which lasted for about two hours. On rare occasions we sang a certain melodious song based on “1 Corinthians 13,” which we all loved.

The almost inaudible voices of the girls mumbling through the stanzas, would suddenly belt out “Love Never Fails.” Each girl stretching out the last chord as far as their young voice would permit.

The rapturous echoes of their voices filled the auditorium and one could almost be certain their voices were heard in the surrounding classes.

Many years has passed and though I haven’t heard this song in a while, the melody lingers on in my mind.

This is probably one of the reasons I often find myself studying this portion of the bible. And with each study comes a deeper insight and a different perspective on the subject of Love. In it, “I See 13” verses encapsulating Love in a way that is almost impossible to live out.

In this post, I want to share my favourite translations. I hope you learn something new that will influence your relationships positively.

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction] (Amp). If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing (NIVUK). I may give away everything I have to help others, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing by doing all this if I don’t have love (ERV).

Love has long patience, is kind; love is not emulous of others; love is not insolent and rash, is not puffed up (Darby), It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people’s wrongs (NIRV). Love does not gloat over other people’s sins but takes its delight in the truth (CJB). Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always continues strong (ICB).

Love never comes to an end. There is the gift of speaking what God has revealed, but it will no longer be used. There is the gift of speaking in other languages, but it will stop by itself. There is the gift of knowledge, but it will no longer be used (GW).

These things will end, because this knowledge and these prophecies we have are not complete (ICB). but when the perfection and fullness of God’s kingdom arrive, all the parts will end (The Voice).

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways. It is the same with us (NCV).

For now, we can only see a dim and blurry picture of things, as when we stare into polished metal. I realize that everything I know is only part of the big picture. But one day, when Jesus arrives, we will see clearly, face-to-face. In that day, I will fully know just as I have been wholly known by God (The Voice).

But now faith, hope, and love remain; these three virtues must characterize our lives. The greatest of these is love (The Voice).

Did you see anything differently? Do share your thoughts below.
Thank you!
#lifeslessons #iC13 #loveneverfails #Godislove #love #thelovewalk #theloveexperience #thelovenature #1Corinthians13 #Godslove #loveispatient #iLove #FaithHopeandLove

Happy New Year! I hope it’s been a pleasant one so far.

I am sorry I haven’t shared any posts in a while. The last quarter of 2016 got really busy, but hey I’m back!

Firstly, I’ll like to start by saying THANK YOU for your support in 2016. Thanks for taking the time to read, like, comment on and share my posts. So, I have titled this one Baby Boom!

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The baby boom era of the nineteenth century comes to mind when I reflect on the number of babies born by my friends in the last couple of years. I know of 4 babies born in a particular week in 2015. And only last year, 3 of my close friends put to bed a month apart from each other.

The most intriguing part of these births was listening to the new mums share their delivery room experience with me. Each woman had to choose the delivery method she was most comfortable with way ahead of time. From my “superwoman” friend who opted for a home birth, to the few who went for water birth, or the pain-free caesarean, and yet some were heavily dosed on gas, air and epidural during a natural delivery.

Whilst they each displayed courage and boldness. The discomfort, pains and pangs of pregnancy which some of the women endured were quickly submerged in overwhelming joy as they held their babies for the first time.

It’ll be wrong to assume that giving birth is a simple and straight cut process. There are people who have lost their lives during the process whilst some are scared for life. I have friends who have had very painful and distressful labours and I am very grateful to God that none has lost their life during childbirth. I also know of many others whose birthing experience have defiled medical science and they are alive to tell the story.

It’s a common knowledge that there are similarities between birthing a baby and birthing our dreams. Both involve the same phases; from conception to gestation, birth and then growth. As I made my plans for the year, my thoughts drifted to the delivery room tales and 3 things stood out;

• Birth the dream – the delivery room is all about birthing the baby/dream. Focus on this. Birth it. There may be painful moments but there’s joy to come.
• Expert support – Just as a hospital’s delivery room is filled with the required medical professionals to help the mother deliver her baby or babies, there are professionals available to help birth our dreams and goals. There are mentors and coaches whose services can be engaged to make our dreams a reality.
• Collaboration – Mothers have birthing partners in the delivery room to give practical and emotional support during labour. A collaborative approach is also a viable means in actualising our dreams. Look for those who share the same dream as yourself and reach out to them.

So, it’s the start of another year and some of you just like me may be pregnant with Big Dreams. It is important to leverage on your strengths and the strengths of those who can help you achieve great feats in 2017.

I am fully persuaded that we can all birth our dreams this year. Let’s fill the earth with more dreams and realities.

Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done. If one person falls, the other person can reach out to help. But those who are alone when they fall have no one to help them – Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4 vs 9 – 10‬ ‭(ERV‬‬)

People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron – ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27 vs 17‬ ‭(GNT‬‬)

A woman, when she is in labor, has pain because her time [to give birth] has come; but when she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of her joy that a child has come into the world – ‭‭John 16 vs 21‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

#lifeslesson #babyboom #deliveryroom #babies #collaboration #teamwork #dreams #goals #pursuitofgoals #ambitious #achiever

T-E-N-A-C-I-T-Y. An 8 letter word with a scrabble score of 14 points. Unless you land on a double word or letter square. The dictionary definition includes:

The quality or state of being persistence – merriam-webster.com
The quality of retaining something – dictionary.com
The quality or property of holding together firmly – dictionary.com
Persistent determination – mnemonidictionary.com
Extremely persistent in adhering to or doing something – thefreedictionary.com

A definition that really strikes a chord with me is that given in the Cambridge dictionary “The Determination To Continue What You Are Doing.”

This definition takes me on a journey down memory lane, back to secondary school where I developed an interest in long distance races, especially Marathons. I was part of the school’s athletics team, competing in several inter-school long distance races; marathons, 3000m and 1500m. On a few occasions, I ran the 800m and 400m.

I tried to avoid the two later races as they required a different approach. What I lacked in speed for short distance races, I had in abundance of stamina for the longer distance races. I had the strength of will to finish every race and withstand the harsh harmattan (dry season); dusty tracks and dry-thirsty throat and not to mention the grumbling tummy (I had a habit of not eating on the day of any race).

It’s been many years since then, and although I haven’t been on the tracks for decades. I still have a passion for track events especially long distance races. It’s my desire to run the London Marathon and hope to do so soon. Everyone in life runs a race; an individual race to accomplish our goals. Goals are categorized as short, medium and long term. These can be likened to track events. Short term goals (100m – 400m), Medium term goals (800m – 1500m) and Long term goals (greater than 1500m).

Just as each type of race is approached differently, our goals should be as well. Short term goals like short distance races require speed in completing them. Long term goals on the other hand like long distance races require physical and mental strength for success. The marathon is described as the true test of endurance.

Many people achieve their short tem goals but only a few people are able to attain their long term goals. Tenacity is required in the accomplishment of our long term goals. It’s expected that we consider and plan properly before starting a project. Experts will advise that it’s best to take it easy at the beginning, and pace oneself into the project. I believe that a project is successful when you have accomplished what you set off to achieve. Marathoners don’t speed throughout their race as they need to conserve their strength.

Run your race at your own pace, and finish it. Don’t burn out along the way. Understand your ability and industry enough, so as not to suffer injuries along the way.

It’s one thing to set a goal, it’s another thing to sustain it and accomplish it. Don’t let the challenges and obstacles along the way deter you from accomplishing your goals. Be Tenacious In The Pursuit Of Your Goals.

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22 vs 29

 

#tenacity #determined #determination #forgingahead #marathon #focused #accomplish #longtermgoals #goals #dontgiveup

I recently met up with a friend to celebrate her birthday. After quite a lot of deliberation, we settled for dinner in a lovely Thai restaurant overlooking the docks in East London. The restaurant had excellent reviews and the ambience was welcoming and cozy. It  was the perfect spot for a lovely Friday evening in summer.


The celebrant had offered me a ride to the restaurant, which I joyfully accepted. We set off much later than planned and my friend drove in a haste. We missed a few turns here and there, due to our impatience. One of those missed turns was a major one that took us from the East to the South in seconds.


We drove for over a mile before arriving at a U-turn. As we turned, I noticed some parked cars by the side of the road. My friend suddenly stopped behind one of them. After waiting for about 5 mins, I gave in and asked, “Why are we waiting here?” Her response took me by surprise, “We are waiting for the cars in front of us to drive off.” I informed her that the cars were parked and empty. We drove off laughing about it. Though I teased her about it all through dinner; who waits behind a parked car on a bright summer evening – No Excuses.


As I reflected on the events later that evening, I couldn’t help but ponder on the similarity with my friend stopping behind a parked vehicle and people stopping whilst on their way to reaching their dreams. We embark on projects, set “new year resolutions” and stop abruptly. Often times the reasons are justifiable to us, because we see what seem to symbolise a stop sign. 


You may have read about the famous electricity bulb inventor, Thomas Edison. Well, contrary to popular belief, he did not invent the electrical light bulbs. It had been in existence for many years. Many other inventors had worked on prototypes to make it cheaper. Mr Edison however wanted to make electricity so cheap that only the rich would burn candles. He attempted this over 1000 times before he finally got his desired result. Even when his peers gave up, he carried on.


Often times we need to do an assessment of our abandoned projects. Doing this will give us an insight into why some things went in the right direction whilst others went pear shaped.

Set your sail and carry on if you are intentional about achieving your goals.

 

“And Jehovah answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” – Habakkuk 2 vs 2

#carryon #dontstop #whydidyoustop #keeponatit #keepmoving #dontparkhere #nevergiveup #notgivinguponanydream #focused #visions #lifeslessons #birthdays #friendship #thomasedison #thaifood