Clean Up In Aisle Five
Friday, June 23, 2023
"Hard knocks have a place and value, but hard thinking goes farther in less time." – Henry Ford
In 1977, I received a diploma from Pennsauken High School, where I finished sixth in my class of more than 600 students. Four years later, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Recreation. I also earned 15 graduate credits from Temple before three kids, a growing ministry, and a statistics class told me it was time to end my formal education.
Guess what? The advanced degree I received from the “School of Hard Knocks” has proven far more valuable than any of my other diplomas, certificates, or awards. Some of those life lessons I learned quickly and easily. However, some others took a while to fully grasp and left me with a bunch of bumps and bruises.
Of course, when an experience is especially painful, we are more likely to remember the lesson it taught us. Physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological scars often serve as not-so-subtle reminders of bad decisions and wrong actions.
But the point that Henry Ford looks to “drive” home today (pun intended) is that thinking through a decision so that you avoid making a bad one is far better than having to deal with the “clean-up in aisle five.” Not only do you remain bump, bruise, and scar-free, but you don’t waste that most precious of all commodities… time.
The best method I have found for making wise – and averting poor – decisions is to pray fervently while studying and then applying God’s Word. The Book of Proverbs is a great place to start. Seeking sound advice from close Christian friends who are likewise enlightened and empowered by the Holy Spirit is also vitally important to the decision-making process. So is learning from others’ mistakes so you don’t make the same ones yourself.
Please allow me just one more car analogy…
If you don’t want a flat tire or a broken axle, do your best to steer away from life’s potholes.
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Proverbs 19:20 (ESV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
