A few weeks ago, I was desperately searching for a building! I had to look it up and get there quickly before it closed. Also, as it was a Saturday, the building was set to close at 12:30 PM. Therefore, there was no time to waste! But where was I off to?

The Unexpected

The previous evening, a white paper was stuck on my front door! The slip indicated that the Post Office attempted to deliver a package that required a signature upon delivery, but no one was home. After two additional delivery attempts, I would have to pick it up from the post office. However, it also read that I could go to the post office and retrieve the package before they attempted another delivery. – This was music to my ears as it was no random package. It was medication for my mom!
Already frustrated at the delay, the thought of my mom waiting two days for something she desperately needed was unconscionable! Eagerly, in the morning, I set out to look for the package!

Notably, as I shared in the past, I get lost easily! Sometimes, these detours allow me to experience unexpected delights: serene beaches, gorgeous mountaintops, and small tucked-away museums. However, at other times, my directional challenges, which I believe are innate, are an unfortunate liability. Whenever this happens, if I use a GPS, I question its reliability, not my directional ability. – Of course! 😉

Back to our story…

On the lookout!

Aware of my tendency to get lost, I often allocate extra time for such endeavors. Given the emotional significance of this particular one, I headed out early with the post office address in hand. I followed the directions to a tee and arrived swiftly. But to my dismay, no post office was in sight! Bewildered, I drove up and down the street a couple of times. Then, I ditched the car navigation system and used my cell phone. However, it was all to no avail! Confused, I saw a contractor taking out construction materials from his truck and asked him for help. Kindly, he stopped what he was doing and listened to my question: Where is the post office? Intent on helping me, he paced forward and backward, inhaled, and exhaled. With a frustrated gaze, he stared at me, undeniably disappointed – in himself.

Eager to get him out of the discomfort of being unable to help, I was ready to drive off and thanked him for trying to assist! Then, he said, wait for a minute! Let me check something. Thumbing through his phone, he said, yes! I got it! Follow this address. And he talked me through the steps. Instantly, I was grateful to him and could tell he was proud of himself! After thanking him, I drove off! But this time was different! I was super-convinced that I was on the right path and quickly arrived at the stated destination. But again, no post office was in sight!

Where am I going?

Anxious, I drove around and asked three other people for help – separately! They were all stumped by my question! Then, I asked a fourth. Without hesitation, she pointed to a building a few hundred feet away and said, the post office is right there! Thanking her, but skeptical, I headed in the direction. Once there, I did not notice any post office signs on the building. However, as I observed staff walk in and out of the building, I realized it was the post office. Dumbfounded, I thought, how did I miss it? Within minutes, I received an answer!

A little boy who looked about five years old came by with his mom. Engrossed by a device in his hands, he tripped and fell! But like a champ, he stood up, did not cry, and reached for his device. Swiftly, he picked it up, looked up with childlike wonder, and pointed at the sky. Curious, I looked up through my windshield to see what captivated him. And there was the clue I needed all along – a flag of the United States on a flagpole!

It turns out that to find what I was looking for, all I needed to do was look up! After this experience, I reflected on the subtle insight!

Look in the right direction.

Runners look ahead, not at their running shoes as they run. Parents teach little kids to walk by directing their attention upward and forward, not downward. Organizational leaders forecast the future to determine their business strategy and necessary steps. In instances like those mentioned above, we must look up to find the answers we seek! And looking up requires an outward focus.

Practically, this might translate to speaking to others and asking for help – not focusing inward on what we know or speaking solely to those who tell us what we want to hear.
Friend: When searching for answers, where do you look? And who do you speak to?

Until next time!

For you and to you,
Aké

Image credit: Pixabay | Bessi