True, many steps we take are in negative territory.

Monument Valley 002Not necessarily wrong, or even in the wrong direction, but definitely moving in different directions than where we thought we were headed.

I love this Monument Valley puzzle game. The stairs, elevators and various hindrances keep you guess which way to turn. Sometimes you figure it out quickly. Other times it’s a lot of trial and error.

Regardless, you always have options and you chose your direction based upon perception or past moves.

Solomon penned these words:

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10 NKJV)

The only other places a tower is mentioned is in Judges 9:51 where people fled into and to the top of for safety. King David speaks of a shelter and strong tower that was his protection from the enemy in Psalms 61:3. So, Solomon comes at this thought with predecessor experience.

There are times the steps to safety and right decision lead upwards. There are times it is the reverse. Developing muscles that move only in a single direction makes you a slow-poke when the opposite moves are required.

Listen to the logic of  Muhammad Ali, famous and fearless boxer of decades gone by.

“Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee.” 

Have you ever watched the wanderings of a butterfly as they flit about on the micro moves of airflow? It seems they are drunken pilots. Up. Down. Forward. Backward. Easily twisted by the currents they fly through. But a Bee has more control and takes charge of the situation with the fearful prong and venom they claim ownership to.

Fly. Sting. In and out. Sting. Up and down. Sting. Forwards and backwards. Sting.

Makes me think about our walk in life. To get to the top, muscles propel, and you practice so as to increase your muscle strength. To retreat, muscles resist against gravity; and you still practice control so muscles act properly.

Yes. I’ve been on the mountaintop with a 70 lb pack and a hunting rifle. It was easier going up, though very hard and tiring work, than letting gravity get me down quicker!

Be prepared for a retreat from a dangerous or non-productive pathway. Find a place of shelter and a tower to hang out in above the fray of the enemy below. Know your strength and weakness and exercise to prevent illogical failure in the greatest moment of need….

Think about you!

By Michael Gurley

Making Sense of Life, One Thought at a Time!