I love this quote by CS Lewis, "Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward to success."
But what the heck are finger posts anyway?
Finger Post...what an amazing word picture used by CS Lewis, describing exactly where you land after getting knocked down by a "failure." I put the word failure in quotes because I do not like it's implied finality. Many have the perspective that "failure" is permanent and the end of the road, but that is a lie!
The truth is, when we experience a "failure" because something did not turn out the way we hoped, it is not the end of the road. "Failure" abruptly and harshly knocks us face down in the dirt, stirring up thick clouds of dust that blind us momentarily. It is at this point we feel alone and defeated, like we have come to the end of the road, but the truth is we are lying at the foot of a finger post. At this junction in the road, we are left with the opportunity to choose the direction our journey will take.
Too often we choose to walk down a road that leads to pain, regret, heartache, and isolation. We go with our head hanging low, eyes downcast, believing the worst about ourselves, ending up lost, cut off from the purpose for which we were created.
But there is another road that can be taken from the foot of a finger post my friend!
We must choose to get up, dust ourselves off, head held high, eyes focused straight ahead, and get on our way. We have the ability to take steps forward, even if they are only baby steps, on the road that leads to success, but we must choose to do it...even if we don't feel like it!
Friend, the next time you get knocked down in the dirt, will you choose to lie there at the foot of the finger post or will you get up and dust yourself off? If you get up and dust yourself off, will you walk with your head hanging low and eyes downcast...or will you choose to hold your head high with eyes focused straight ahead?
The difference in posture on these two roads is striking! There is an undeniable, inverse relationship between our posture and how we feel about ourselves. Instead of allowing our feelings to dictate our journey, maybe it's time to change our posture and choose the road known to lead to success.
When you get knocked down you may not feel like getting up, you may not feel like holding your head high, you may not feel like choosing to walk forward, but if you do it anyway, your feelings will follow. Your energy and confidence will slowly begin to return as you choose to change your posture.
Today is a new day, what are you waiting for? Get up, dust yourself off, hold your head high, eyes focused straight ahead, and get going my friend!
Blessings on your journey dear one!