Each morning when I come to work I check my email for any overnight issues and then I head out to walk the floor in the data center and then move across to the main building to make sure everything looks okay. This morning while I was in the data center I noticed a young man pushing a small box along the conveyor. The box was not quite heavy enough to take advantage of the moving wheels that could have taken it all the way to the truck for shipment. The box had a destination or purpose if you will.
Watching the box struggle and the young man pushing it periodically reminded me of our own lives at times. We may know our destination or purpose but sometimes we struggle to get there. I have a great wife and some great friends and when they see me struggling they come along side me and become my Barnabas – my encourager.
Do you know someone that could use a Barnabas? Do you need a Barnabas? Last night I spoke to a friend, someone that I admire very much for his wisdom and insight. I was sharing with him my purpose, passion, and desire to become a Life Coach. I shared the steps I had already taken and what I planned to do next. Everything he spoke to me just became more and more of an encouragement.
We often get stuck in ruts and are afraid to ask for help or encouragement. We start thinking to ourselves, “If I am struggling, it must not be for me.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Depending on your spiritual beliefs, that kind of statement could be exactly what your enemy wants you to believe so you will not even try, let alone succeed. How many times do we give up because we can’t seem to figure something out on our own?
As an aspiring life coach, I’ve learned that it’s important to reach out and ask for help, especially if I believe in my heart this is my purpose and passion. Just like that box that was on the road to its destination, we all need encouragement at many times alone our own path. I used to just wait for opportunity to come to me… Not anymore! If I need a Barnabas, I will reach out. How about you?
#learntoaskforhelp #youdon’thavetodoitalone #findyourbarnabas #thejourneytraining
In life, being alone is never a good choice. I know – there are some who will say, “I like being a loner. People just get in the way!” Well, if that’s how you usually think, your personality is just like mine. The truth is having a buddy with you is always better. Two are better than one. Let me explain.
When I went to The Biggest Loser, it was a singles season. I was excited about that for all the reasons I stated above! I didn’t want someone else holding me back. I didn’t want to have to worry about anyone but me. I definitely didn’t want someone else’s performance be tied to my own! If I messed up that was ok, but if my partner did, I would always wonder if I could have won alone.
Well, on the very first day, we were asked to choose a partner. A woman named Liz called my name. I was so happy that I had not been chosen last. It was kind of like back in school when two kids are picking their teams-nobody wants to be last. However, inside I was terrified! Liz was 49 years old and from Tennessee. I liked her, but I DID NOT want her as a partner. I was wrong.
The first 4 or 5 weeks, Liz was overwhelmed. She actually went to the trainer and said, “I can’t do this! I want to go home. I didn’t think it was going to be this hard!” When I heard that, I grabbed her arm and led her outside where no one could see us. I said, “Listen here Liz, you picked me as your partner, and now you’re going to give up?” I need you to focus on what we have to do! And, by the way, I know you can do this! I know your heart and I believe in you, Liz.” Liz stayed, and I had given her exactly what she needed – someone to say they believed in her. She had long stopped believing in herself.
Well, Liz and I didn’t do half bad! In fact, we were the 2nd team in history to make it to the final four together! Then, there was THE MARATHON. Yup, we had to run 26.2 miles. I was terrified – and so was Liz! Rudy and Amanda took off ahead of us However, during the marathon, we decided to stay together. When one of us slowed down, the other stayed back, too. During that marathon my hips and knees were hurting so bad that I wanted to stop. When I said that, I heard, “No Danny. You’re not gonna stop! You can do this, and I’m gonna do it with ya.” That encouragement kept me running. We finished the marathon in 6 hours and 55 minutes! Not a blazing speed, but the fact that we were 430 pounds and 267 pounds 5 months before made it a miracle. Both our strategies worked! Staying together and having a buddy made a huge difference in the outcome.
After that marathon, Liz said, “I was just glad I could return the favor! Danny was there to help me for the first 11 weeks on The Biggest Loser, and there I was there to help him finish what he started. We are a good pair of friends!” We were good buddies.
The next time you are tempted to go it alone, remember that it is proven that in stressful situations, the simple fact that you have someone to share it with lowers your blood pressure, stress level, and cortisone levels. There is a scripture that I love. It is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 which says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Who’s your buddy? Who will you turn to on your journey to lift you up, encourage you or even carry you?
