By Timothy A. Edward
Life does not always come with a warning. It arrives with calm mornings and then, without notice, sends storms that shake our very core. In both life and business, these storms are inevitable. But those who stand firm are not the ones who avoid the winds - they are the ones who build on a foundation that cannot be moved. A foundation made of solid rocks - tested, chosen, and placed with intention.
Our foundation may consist of many such rocks. But some are essential, and they shape the strength and direction of our lives.
Life Goals
Our life goals may shift over time. I recently had a conversation with an eminent person who shared that in his youth, he aspired to become a politician. However, certain experiences changed his course, and he eventually became an educator – and he found great success and fulfillment in that path.
It is important to ask ourselves that searching question: What is our end goal? And to stay focused on what truly matters to us. Deep within, there is a voice that keeps guiding us. We have one life - one opportunity to leave behind the legacy we envision. This life goal becomes like a race set before us, even before we were born. It is this goal that brings the deepest satisfaction, as we fulfill the purpose for which we were created.
Number Our Days
Another foundational rock is the wisdom to number our days. One of my aunties often reflects on how her husband had everything in order before he passed away, even though his illness was brief. After his departure, she was able to carry on with life smoothly, picking up from where he left off.
In contrast, another aunt - an acquaintance of our family - shared how her husband’s sudden passing left her with years of unresolved matters. She had to go through every file, every document, meticulously settling what was left undone. Her story is a reminder: preparing for the inevitable is not morbid - it is wise.
Setbacks
Setbacks are part of life. Often, they come at a high cost. But how we respond to them determines our future. Do we see them as stepping stones? Are we willing to crystallise those experiences into lessons learned and move forward - even if it means changing direction?
Setbacks can be turnaround mileposts. They teach us to anticipate change and prepare a strategy for it. Dreams are good, but when reality hits and results disappoint, we must be grateful for the clarity it brings. If we keep doing the same things, we will get the same results. Sometimes, a turnaround strategy is exactly what we need.
Belief
A strong belief system is another vital rock in our foundation. When things go wrong, where do we turn? Can we say, “Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth”?
A friend recently shared that for the past 30 years, his family has recited Psalm 121 every night before going to bed. Science now supports that faith, positive confession and positive self-talk strengthen not just the mind, but the immune system too.
There are many other rocks too, that go into the making of a strong foundation – like knowing our priorities, having a “Plan B,” identifying our allies and the influence we carry, understanding our boundaries, and recognising potential pitfalls. These may sound simple, but they require wisdom to tailor them to our unique life situations. When we do, they become the unshakable foundation upon which our lives are built.
Storms will come. Winds will blow. But when our foundation is laid with wisdom, purpose, faith and love, we will not only endure - we will thrive. And long after the winds have passed and the skies have cleared, what we built will still be standing - serving our communities, shaping our legacy, and bearing witness to a life well-lived.
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