Recognizing Victory From Defeat

“When the economy crashed we began to struggle and we were lucky to be able to sell our home.”

-      Joel Jones

Recognizing Victory From Defeat

My friend Joel owns his own business and started it because he felt as if he could provide a straight forward service that would benefit his clients as well as his family.  He works hard.  He always has, ever since I’ve known him.   One day, as part of our work, we sat talking together.

“You know,” he said, “We were lucky to be able to sell our house when the economy crashed.  Most people thought it was a disaster, and at the time we were really struggling emotionally and financially.  Most people in our neighborhood were critical of us because they knew I was a hard worker and successful business owner; they made lots of comments about how I should have been more prepared and just make more money.  But, it was out of my control and when we moved, it became obvious to us that it was the best thing that could have happened for our family.”

When he spoke I envisioned the description of his life as a great river.  There are times when we’re swimming along and we float with the illusion that we’re in total control while in its calm waters.  But, that illusion is swept away during times when the water’s serenity is replaced by a cataract.

When a series of river rapids and small or large waterfalls demonstrate that there are forces in life greater than any individual, one is forced to simply go with the flow and seek any protection possible.  It is during such times that one many lose sight of the benefits of speeding water and its ability to usher in new opportunities and knowledge.  Those who can’t appreciate the course and momentum of the river spend their time grasping at the water hoping to hold it back with their small and ineffective hands.  But their efforts are vain.

It is only when one truly sees and accepts the majesty and power of the river as a moving force can they change their strategy from combating to riding the water for their benefit.  Joel Jones has shown me that when one understands the true nature of life one can begin the see the power it has to change us in ways we can’t anticipate.  It will show us amazing beauty and reveal strengths we didn’t know we possessed. 

It can also expose personal weaknesses that we wish were not so.  When we see such weaknesses we have a choice.  We can look up to see how we can allow life’s opportunities fill us with wonder and strength once again, or we can allow our weaknesses to drown our future before it is revealed.

Riding life’s rapids is a wondrous challenge.  It can reveal your personal victory if you will allow it to.  Just let the river of life deliver you to the position you need before you know you need it.