A few weeks ago I attended a conference and ran across an old friend of mine. We have been friends for over 30 years, in fact since the 9th grade. (no age calculations please.. Smile)
While growing up my friend had a parrot..not just any Parrot, but this parrot spoke and repeated everything. (you can imagine the fun we had as giggling high school girls).
Anyway, my friend loved this parrot. Afterall, she had had him since a little girl (apparently parrots live a very long time 50-75 years if not longer).
Well, I recalled every so often my friend would have the bird’s wings clipped.
Of course he had a cage, but she would allow him to perch outside of his cage and look out into the yard from the bedroom window.
Anyway, the bird would flutter with clipped wings. He would stretch and flap even though he couldn’t really fly anywhere.
Eventually, my friend stopped clipping his wings. While in the cage it wasn’t unusual to still see the bird flapping and stretching his wings even though he was going nowhere. This bird did what he was created to do despite his circumstances.
Believe it or not I believe there are some people feeling caged on their jobs, lives and circumstances.
It was Abraham Lincoln who said “Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I will take 4 hours to sharpen my axe”…
Even though you are not where you want to be, this is not where you will remain.
Start where you are with what you have. DO What you were created to do in the time set aside to INVEST IN YOU. It doesn’t have to be long, you just have to be consistent.
There isn’t a cage or person strong enough to stop you.
Do your part, because God has already done His.
It is important to continuously prepare yourself and do what you were created to do.
You see, you do not know when the door of opportunity will come knocking .
I believe it would be tragic to miss an opportunity and it’s door never be opened again .
So practice perfectly, because perfect practice makes a perfect performance.
Work diligently, appreciating where you are and what you have as remaining grateful.
Focus on what truly matters, because THIS SEASON IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
If possible, ask for the support of family and friends. Remember no success is ever done alone. Your courage and endeavor can be strengthened and developed as you build your “community” support.
Most importantly remain “present”. You see hidden in today is your tomorrow, and in every tomorrow lies an unexpected gift.
“We escaped like a bird caught in a hunter’s trap. The trap was broken, and we escaped.” Psalms 124:7
Love
Carol
Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing this piece.