OPPORTUNITIES IN DISGUISE
Updated: Apr 9, 2020
“The worst thing that happens to you may be the best thing for you if you don’t let it get the best of you.” –Will Rogers
It was a hot summer day several years ago when my car broke down in the middle of nowhere. This, as you well know, is never a very pleasant experience. After hitching a ride into Wall, SD, I secured a tow truck. Now, as inconvenient as this was at the time, I knew I had a decision-making opportunity in front of me. Either I could grumble and complain all the way into Rapid City or I could shift my attitude and get to know the fellow driving the tow truck. Keep in mind, I am very capable of grumbling and complaining.
I believe I made the right decision that day. I chose to get to know this person driving the tow truck and my life was enhanced greatly. Ultimately, Tim, the tow truck driver, became not only a customer, but also a friend of mine. This almost certainly would never have occurred if I had chosen to grumble and complain about my car breaking down.
My telling you this story is to illustrate a point. Life is full of inconveniences, adversities, worries, and breakdowns (not just of cars, but of relationships as well), and even though negative circumstances are often simply unavoidable, we do have a choice how we will deal with those situations.
In the future, whenever negative and challenging things confront you, try to see each situation as an “opportunity in disguise.” May I also suggest that you make a commitment to take the word “problem” out of your vocabulary, and in its place substitute the word “challenge.”
From here on out remind yourself “I have no problems, only challenges” and look for and seize the opportunity you find there.