Tag Archive for: Prepare

Small Swarms, Big Lessons

Yesterday, I set out to walk the 13-mile trail around Loch Leven as part of my training for next month’s West Highland Way adventure and Mary’s Meals.
I’d never walked this far before in one go.
However, it didn’t quite go as planned!
About a mile in, I reached for my phone to take a photo… only to realise I’d left it in the car.
The choice was simple: press on without it or turn back… I turned back.
So, before I’d even really begun, my 13-mile walk had become a 15-mile one.
Lesson #1: preparation matters.
Back on track, the next surprise wasn’t the rain or the wind, but the sky, it wasn’t blue – it was black, with swarms of tiny flying creatures.
At first, I thought they were midges.
But a kindly old gentleman wearing a midge net (he came prepared!) informed me they were in fact Mayflies, millions of them.
They got everywhere: in my nose, ears, eyes. Yuk.
Soldiering on, my baseball cap became my swatting device, fending off thousands.
The first three miles and the final three were the worst.
The “in-between” parts of the walk were very enjoyable, filled with beautiful spots and moments of peaceful bliss.
By the time I got back to the car, nearly 5 hours later, I had discovered a new pain in my left foot, a good measure of all over stiffness, and a few unexpected memories.
But I had done it! Fifteen miles under my belt, and another step closer to being ready for the West Highland Way.

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on the day, I was reminded of a scripture:
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9
Sometimes our efforts are met with unexpected swarms, setbacks, and small irritations.
And sometimes in life, the walk is longer, harder, and more uncomfortable than we had planned.
I kept walking and in the middle of the struggle, there were beautiful peace filled moments, and I found a new strength I didn’t know I had.
My hope is that as we keep walking, through all the swarms and setbacks, we’ll become a little stronger, a little more patient, and a little more prepared for whatever lies ahead.
How do you handle life’s unexpected swarms?
PS Donate here for Marys Meals… https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/fundraising…

Prepared

Missionary Zone Conferences arrived again this week, in Antwerp and Utrecht.

The first hour of our morning is a familiar one…

Group photo, welcome, hymn, prayer, motto, standards etc.

Then, it’s time for the most anticipated moment of every conference…

The surprise “toespraak” or talk/address, in Dutch.

The theme for their 5-minute talk, shared a few days earlier was 2 Nephi 31:20 – “How can I be steadfast in sharing the Gospel?”

The Assignment

The assignment, simply come prepared to speak!

Many choose to follow a well-known verse “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30)

Others are prone to take a few unnecessary risks!

No-one is safe.

I sat looking at all the young missionaries.

Some make eye contact with me, and I give them a little wink.

Others keep their heads bowed and are anxious not to make eye contact, just in case!

There is a real sense of uneasiness and tension in the air, mixed with a little excitement too.

With a sense of foreboding everyone awaits!

Then, we invite at least 2 missionaries, to give their surprise toespraak.

Their faces are always a picture to behold.

Apprehension fills their entire being as they rise to the podium to speak.

Taking a deep breath, they compose themselves and launch into their talks.

For those who remain seated, nervous anxiety is instantly replaced with a sense of relief, so much so for many, that it swiftly fills the entire room.

In Antwerp, we heard from Averi Hanny and Luk Vanderlinden

In Utrecht, we had more time and heard from  Alyssa Walker, Ian Schwab, Jelle van Vriesland and Emily Hodder.

All did really well.

Experience has taught me that the best preparation for tomorrow, is by doing your best today.

Later in the day, 1 or 2 departing missionaries, mentioned that they’d “escaped” their entire mission, and despite their regular periods of anxiety, were noticeably sad that they’d never had the opportunity to speak!

“Sorry you missed out” I said. “But I hope you kept all of those prepared talks up your sleeve, so that you can give a talk at a second’s notice.” “Oh yes” they replied, “I’d never thought about that!”

How has being prepared helped you succeed?

Lessons from Flights

“What time is your flight Daryl” “4.50pm” I replied. We agree the 3.37pm train to Zurich airport will allow me to make my flight to London in good time. “It is a small airport after all.”

Arriving at the airport just before 4pm, I found the departures board – Gate E56. Up the first of many escalators, long concourses, then the first delay – passport control. What is it with these digital machines, especially when time isn’t on your side? 4.10pm

Next, security. Quickly scanning for the fastest moving line, I joined the (slowest) queue (ever), delay 2. Eventually, I filled the trays, walked through the scanner, “BEEP!” – Shoes off, body frisk, repack bags, check the boards, plane boarding – aagh! 4.23pm

Next, another 2 escalators and an unexpected tram to Gate E. Delay 3. Tram is 1 min 57 secs away and counting. Then the 1 minute to load up and another 3 minutes to Gate E. By this time my anxiety is rising, “I can’t miss this plane!” 4.32pm

Like a shot I sprint up another 2 escalators and into an empty concourse 100 metres away, Gate 56 is closing. Last to board, I make it by the skin of my teeth and collapse in my chair – phew! 4.35pm

Sound familiar? Life lessons learned (again)?

– Use probing questions

– Leave early

– Always expect delays

– Smile

– Laugh!