Have you ever been frustrated in your attempt to accomplish a goal? What was your response? Did you give up in bitterness? Become dependent? Become despondent? Question God?
Frustrations are an intricate part of progress and success. Sometimes life can get so cluttered that we simply cannot see our way. Our activities and goals sometimes become faint sketches against the horizon.
No one succeeds without first encountering a few frustrations. Those who are determined usually find that "what's for them, they will surely get." The key is to remain focused on your real purpose and goal.
The story is told of the old man who fed pigeons in the park every day and talked with his friends as they fed the pigeons. One day one of his friends asked him a very deep and challenging question: "How do I get my life back on track?"
The old man did not say anything. He simply kept throwing bread crumbs to the pigeons.
After the question had been asked several times, the old man finally said, "Watch the pigeons walk."
The friend thought that to be an odd answer, but again the old man answered, "Watch the pigeons walk," as they threw out more bread crumbs.
Frustrated, the friend asked the meaning of his phrase and the old man said,"Pigeons have trouble focusing when they walk.
"To see where they are going, they put their head out first, stop, focus, bring their head back, and then make another step.
"So they move with what appears to be a silly walk: head out, stop, focus, head in. It may look like a silly walk to others, but it helps the pigeon make sure that every little step he makes is in the right direction."
Then the old man turned to his friend and said, "if you want to get your life back on track -- stop, check your direction, and make sure you walk like a pigeon and don't waddle like a duck!"
Too many people are trying to succeed in life without ever stopping to consider whether or not the little success they seek is in line with God's will. They constantly go forward, working, climbing, pursuing and striving. They have set their aims on high and lofty goals and are giving the pursuit their best effort.
As Christians, however, we know it's wise to walk the walk of the pigeon -- stop, focus, check our course and continue walking the Christian walk. If we walk in the light of the Lord, and in line with His will, no matter what frustration may come, the Lord will make a way.
-- Rev. James Blassingame, Pastor
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Sumter, South Carolina, USA
The HartKeeper 
