I was jogging one day and I noticed a person in front of me, about a quarter of a mile ahead, I could tell he was running a little slower than me so I thought to myself: "Good, I shall try to catch him". I had about a mile to go on my planned path before I needed to turn off so I started running faster and faster so that with every block, I was gaining on him just a little bit.
After just a few minutes, I was only about 100 yards behind him so I really picked up the pace and pushed myself. You would have thought I was running in the last leg of London Olympic competition as I was determined to catch him.
Finally, I did it! I caught up with him and passed him by.
On the inside, I felt so good since 'I beat him' and of course he did not even know we were racing. After I passed him, I realised I had been so focused on competing against him that I had missed my turn. I had gone nearly six blocks past it and had to turn around to go all back.
Isn't that what happens in life when we focus on competing with co-workers, neighbours, friends, family trying to out-do them or trying to prove that we are more successful or more important? We spend our time and energy running after them and we miss out on our own paths to our God-given destinies.
The problem with unhealthy competition is that it is a never ending cycle! There will always be somebody ahead of you - someone with a better job, nicer car, more money in the bank, more education, a prettier wife, a more handsome husband, better behaved children, e.t.c.
You must realise that: "I can be the best that I can be, I am not competing with anyone". Some people are insecure today because they pay too much attention to what others are doing, where others are going, what others are wearing or driving, e.t.c.
Please Ponder Over This!
Let us learn to take what God has given us, the height, weight and personality... dress well and wear it proudly so we do not miss the block simply because our gaze changed.
Courtesy: Kafilat Adekola and Anuoluwapo Olaniyi
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