Living Intentionally - Stay Behind

Living Intentionally - Stay Behind

MOST MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS, self-help gurus, and professional mentors will tell you that to live a successful life, you must be aggressive and “get out front.” I think this is flawed thinking. If you really want to live a life of difference, get behind someone who knows the track.

Several months ago, Steve and I took up bicycling. Most weekends we log between thirty and fifty miles on the trails around Dallas atop our sleek silver street bikes (complete with riding gear—it’s so about the outfit). Sometimes my confidence kicks in and I take the lead, but most of the time, I hang back. I’ve found there are some significant benefits to staying behind.

More knowledgeable about the sport and more familiar with the course, Steve serves as my guide. Often I hang back several feet, watching him zig and zag—alerted in advance that the path is about to become more difficult to navigate or that a gaggle of marathoners has congregated. He provides a “heads up” when the path becomes tricky and it’s time to put on the brakes. Do you allow someone to help you navigate the potholes? Or are you heading toward a wipeout? Girlfriend, ask for direction or get behind someone who has successfully dealt with life’s blows; such a person makes a great trail guide.

There’s a common practice in bicycle racing known as drafting that provides a perfect picture of what I mean. When you are drafting, you are following only inches behind the lead biker’s back tire (yes, this can be disaster with one wrong move by either of you—which, of course, is a Truth Nugget topic for another time). The lead biker faces the resistance, allowing you to keep up while exerting only a fraction of the energy.

The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path. (Psalm 37:30-31)

When the winds are blowing hard in life, many high achievers try to face it alone. How often do you let someone block the headwind for you? Girlfriend, allow someone the privilege of helping you face your adversity—you’ll both be better for the experience.