Remember the debate about Planet GoGetter and the Ketchup People?
The Ketchup People believe wholeheartedly that the 'best things come to those who wait'. They're very patient, the Ketchup People, always looking forward to that moment that their hard work and long-service is recognised and rewarded. In the meantime, they don't do anything, knowing and believing that the general karma of the universe, or a divine blueprint will somehow work out good things for them.
Meanwhile, over on Planet GoGetter, they're busy looking at the stars and building space rockets. They know that the world owes them nothing, that life is out there for their exploration and their adventure, and that the only way to succeed is to chase your dreams. The GoGetters are the entrepreneurs, the visionaries, the makers, the movers and the shakers. They make things happen and they don't let anybody stand in the way of their very reachable success.
I made an offer on a flat yesterday. I prayed about it and genuinely felt like it was the right thing to do. As a Ketchup Person, I've always been really reluctant to move quickly - I like data, analysis, feeling, time to make a decision. I am a measurer, institutionally conditioned to believe that God in his wisdom, makes things happen and we just have to roll along with the tide.
But in the property market, the current is quick and it's complicated. It's run by, dominated by and saturated with GoGetters and between them they've designed the rules. To say I feel out of my depth is an understatement.
So, impulsively, I found myself moving like a GoGetter. See, like, think, make an offer - boom!
I've been thinking about this all night and so far, all morning. Have I done the right thing? Have I jumped the gun, missed something that I could only have heard from God if I'd taken a bit more time? Have I missed out on something far better? Am I a massive impulsive idiot - a dyed-in-the-wool Ketchupper trying to fit in on a planet that's not my own? Am I going to... regret this?
"If it's not right, shut the door," I said, strolling into work. "I'll let it go, I'll not be bothered if I get gazumped or outbid or anything like that - I'll know you're in charge."
A few moments later, the estate agent rang me and told me that my offer had been accepted. It's like being in a whirlwind this. Everything changes, everything moves all at once. The clock is ticking fast, and probably by the end of September I'll be moving in.
So I wonder, is it better to move wrongly than to move nowhere at all? I mean, I think God can do anything, especially when he has such nifty ways of working out a plan. Some things are up to us, some things he orchestrates elegantly and beautifully behind the scenes, even when we mess it up. But which is this?
I suppose the folks on Planet GoGetter have that lesson to learn - that listening is really important, that ultimately our own strength is really only loaned to us by one who is stronger and that in his hand, that combined strength is so much more powerful.
Similarly, us Ketchup People, we need to learn how to move, how to recognise when to be quick, how to reach for the stars and see where a dream could take us. We need to know who we need to help us get there - and ask them. We aren't wrong, the best things really do come to those who wait, it's just that waiting is a bit more proactive than we thought it was.
No comments:
Post a Comment