Changing Directions in Mid-course May Sometimes Painful or Difficult

Skooter reporting 08/10/11

Do not persist in folly. It is not a badge of character to continue down the wrong road. What does it mean?

Let me tell you a short story in regards to this. For years, “The Wide World of Sports” television program had, as part of its opening series a scene used to portray “the agony of defeat.” The scene showed a skier heading down a ski jump in good form, and then for no obvious reason, tumbling head over heels off the side of the jump and bouncing off the supporting structure. The scene caused many viewers to cry out in sympathy.

What viewers didn’t know, however, was that this particular skier opted to fall rather than to finish the jump. He explained later, the jump surface had become glossy with ice, too risky for jumping. Midway down the ramp, he realized that he was gathering up so much speed that if he completed the jump, he would possibly land beyond the sloped landing area and hit level ground, which may very well have been deadly. Although it looked messy and agonizing, by taking the alternative path, the skier in fact suffered no more than a headache.

Changing directions in mid-course may sometimes be painful or difficult. Aborting a project that seems headed to failure may be challenging and stressful, but that is sometimes the wisest decision to make now in order to succeed later!

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise. Proverbs 12:15 NKJV

Taken from God’s Little Devotional Book for Leaders