SPEEDBUMPS - You can’t park there!
By Bruce W. Waller
Recently, someone asked me a question about an issue they were having at work. They were experiencing a challenging time, and I started thinking about all of the challenges I have endured on my journey. I remember starting a new job with The Armstrong Company in 2004, and experiencing many challenges along the way, then I blinked and it was 2026. Time flies!
As I reflected, I began to write down all of the moments that made impact. Some of the moments included moments of courage, and success, fear and failure, desire and connection, and more… I then began to think about the stories and choices I made to get to the next stop. These are what I call speedbumps. We have will have them in our career.
Speedbumps are those moments that cause you to slow down… reflect on your options, walk more slowly through the crowd to connect with others, be more present where you are, because when you don’t slow down – you can cause damage and create bigger problems. I feel God places speedbumps in our career and in our life to slow us down, to better connect, and make the best choice to help steer us forward.
Speedbumps make you pause. For me, I think about John 13:7, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
Sometimes, things won’t go your way… some of the things that didn’t go my way include losing out on a job promotion, business loss, failed relationships and on...
When I was a freshman in college, I was invited to a college fraternity party by a guy that I met at a sporting goods store while purchasing a book bag for school. I didn’t know anyone and thought it would be great to meet some people. When I pulled into the parking area, I got out of the car and took a few steps before a loud voice shouted out “you can’t park there.” So, I quickly jumped back into my car and left. When I got to the end of the street, I thought about going left back to my house, but something was telling me to have courage and go right and find another place to park. I turned right and I am glad I did because I met some of the greatest people that became friends… but most importantly, I met my future wife. This was a big speedbump – a choice that I’m glad I took the time and have the courage to make the right call.
What speedbumps are you thinking about right now?
Sometimes speedbumps help us focus on what’s most important at that time. Maybe you need to put something off today, to build a relationship for tomorrow. Make a call or send a note. Maybe you made a mistake, or were knocked down, and need to get back up.
When we slow down and focus on what’s most important, we can accelerate once we are past the moment. So watch for the speedbumps… Slow down, reflect, connect, and be present. The journey goes by fast!
Quote of the Day:
“There is more to life than increasing speed.” Mahatma Ghandi
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