We all can remember a critical time in our business when things were not going well. Maybe even the future was in question. Maybe we were ready to give up. Maybe competitors or authorities were out to get us. We were anxious and tempted to act precipitously and quickly in the time of stress.
This week I was driving in central Oregon on Highway 97 when totally out of nowhere in the darkness a 2-point buck deer crashed into the car I was driving. We were not hurt but the car was no longer drivable (as you can see in this photo). Before long the local sheriff showed up, a guy from the Oregon road department, and then the tow truck driver. They all affirmed what I did not realize – the deer were on the move!
What is it about deer in late October and early November in this part of the country? The deer are anxious; they do not know what to do; they start running like crazy in all directions. Why?
The early snows have been driving the deer down from the mountains. It is mating season and the bucks are anxious about their love life. And the hunters are looking for winter venison and make loud noises with their shots. The deer are going crazy – and a nice sized buck jumped to his death precipitously on Highway 97 on a dark overcast night.
Take your time. Go slowly. Get wisdom.
The book of Proverbs teaches us to not act hastily. “Desire without knowledge is not good – how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” (Proverbs 19:2). Proverbs also says “Listen to advice … and in the end you will be counted among the wise.” (19:20) And later, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (19:21). So, it is best to slow down, seek counsel, and pray to God for wisdom.
IBEC board member, Dave Kier in his daily devotional this week quotes Proverbs 19:2 in another translation:
“Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps errs.” Proverbs 19:2 NASB
Successful Kingdom entrepreneur Bill Job talks about wisdom in his business in this 2-minute video. See if this doesn’t apply to a situation you face this week (and watch out for deer!):
Wisdom, listen, execute – Bill Job from IBEC Ventures.
Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures
larry.sharp@ibecventures.com