Rapid Shift? Or Steady as She Goes.

There’s a math application that describes how a one-degree shift in the rudder of a plane or boat will produce long-lasting results – if you are in it for the long haul. You must shift harder and quicker to get on track in the short haul.

I guess the key is to know where you are, where you are going, and the time you will spend getting to your future point.

As a friend told me some years back, when you are ready to exit, you do need to use your turn signal. How quickly? That’s a good question. For me? There are no exit plans in mind, but I must plan for the next person stepping in my shoes to take the church farther than I have the time and energy to accomplish.

This means I must have a plan. Short-term. Long-term. Goals. Action Items. These pesky things make life move at a sauntering speed instead of sprinting.

So, I plan and execute. Some things are unseen from the bleachers, and others are visible, especially when you know the game plan. Still, many planned events never happen. Why? The destination and timing change. Rapidly, I shift on some and keep a steady pace for others.

That’s Life

An airline pilot was interviewed about the excitement of his job. “Well, it’s 99% of boredom and 1% sheer terror!”

That’s life. We plan and hope to never have to step into tragedies, but life happens, and suddenly you are dealing with life, death, and the poor planning and execution of the aftermath.

Life is a series of roller coaster moves. Slow climbs followed by drops where gravity pulls you into a near-death experience. Wrap a few curls and twists, and you will appreciate the next slow climb.

Ups and down. Right and left. Forward and backward.

Drive on an unexpectedly icy road, and maybe you’ll get the idea. Last week of vacation, we are leaving on Highway 20 out of West Yellowstone. Westward Ho! First, one car and then a second in the ditch. Hmmm. It must have been bad when they passed through here. Uh Ho! Jackknifed 18-wheeler with support vehicles in attendance. Left of the gas to slow down, suddenly your truck slips left and right, threatening your success at heading home!

Extra attention is required! Slow down. Pay attention.

That’s Life!

This Morning

I’m adapting to life-changing moments at a pretty rapid pace. I’ve kept my phone, pen, and paper close by because the thoughts shooting around the bends of my central brain are popping up needs, wishes, and things to think about or do.

This is normal. If I don’t record the zippy thoughts, I’ll never remember them. Or, at the very least, I’ll not remember that I already thought about and dealt with the issue at hand.

How will you handle life in the toughest moments? You prepare for them every day you live.

When I was learning to pilot a single-engine Cessna, we learned how to deal with emergencies when nothing was going on. Why? Planning for that day when it may be needed. Loss of engine, storms, clouds, night, even a flat tire.

These are the reasons we take training classes. Learn what we need to do the task and how to handle the unexpected.

What’s on your mind that you are ready to handle, and what’s around the next bend that you may have to deal with? Are you prepared? Don’t try to dream up the terror moments, but understand what may need to be done and what you will be called upon to handle.

I feel it in my spirit to be ready. Something is about to happen. Can we handle it? Most likely. Am I ready? Nope.

How about you?

Paul says to be instant, in season, and out of season. (2 Timothy 4:2) At the end of his ministry, Jesus says to be ready for the hour in which you don’t think something will happen, it might. (Matthew 24:44) Of everyone in scripture, it seems Job had the worst day ever, and yet, he bounded back. Why? How? His mettle was tested and he came for as pure gold.

That’s what we all pray for!