I enjoy listening to founders talking about their start-up ideas. Founders with limited experience share an interesting trait. Each is trying to run before they walk, talking about success before they understand the game they are getting into.
As I listen to their pitches, it feels as if I am in a mid-60’s video with the Byrds singing the song original written with the title “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and “To Everything There Is a Season”. The echo of Solomon’s biblical wisdom put to music fits perfectly. In my mind, my eyes conclude the young characters have never heard the song. For some, the lyrics seem out of touch. With others, they think they would never apply to their situation. Ignoring the lessons of history is always a risky proposition.
In the mix were a few avid listeners. The idea that one should recognize patters, take pressures and barriers in a seasonal context, resonated with them. I have not lost faith with those who did not see it; there is time to land the message.
From the marks left by my journey, I know how easy it is to get ahead of oneself. There are times where I find myself mentally wrestling with my physical body, metaphorically trying to tie me down so that I do not rush to get ahead. On the good days, I find myself listening to life’s whispers and the attempts to guide my path.
Each season has new actors and players. They are often waiting for their turn, ready to act when it is time. When I get ahead of myself, I mess up the outcomes needed for the harvest, “before the farmhands can gather it in, the harvesters get in the crop,” (Psalm 129.7).
In the present, I need to focus on working in the moment with who is here with you. Patience is useful and valuable. It opens one’s heart and soul to the challenges at hand which will benefit from our hard work. The time invested now will pay dividends for seasons to come.
Carpe diem opens the future.
