He walked past me, head hung low, and miserable, as if he was heading in to a doctor to receive a difficult diagnosis. I guess he sort of knew what was coming, as I could hear part of the conversation in which he eventually found himself.

His good qualities were listed, the things he’d done right counted off and commended. But it was explained to him that he was struggling so hard in his current position because it wasn’t right for him, at least at this point in his life. Questions were asked about how much he needed to make to maintain his lifestyle, and suggestions were made about how he might be able to stay afloat until he was in a place to better support the risk required for the job. It was a candid, thoughtful conversation, focused on helping him find the right fit for him and his personality. And then he was asked to resign.

I knew a little bit about him. I knew how much the requirements of the job he thought he would be great at, ended up being torturous, so I thought he’d be relieved at the end of the conversation. Especially with the way it was delivered. The suggestions made for other alternatives were good ones. While some might be perceived as a step backward, they made sense for him and offered real possibility. But at the end of that conversation, when he was asked to resign, he stood up, and said, “Well, I guess I’d better get back to work. I’ve got a lot of sales to make.”

And then he walked out.

I wonder how many of us walk around in total denial that there are parts of our lives that need to be changed. I know there are areas of my own life that find me turning a blind eye. The signs are posted clearly, all around us, that say “This is not a good fit for you.” Or “You thought this was good for you, but it’s not.” Or “This is hard because you’re actually not equipped for it.” We ignore those signs, though, because the alternatives don’t look all that attractive; they might be a little embarrassing, or humble us to an uncomfortable point. Especially if we started into it thinking it was exactly what we wanted.

The Rolling Stones had quite a hit with a certain tune…

You can’t always get what you want; No, you can’t always get what you want; No, you can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need.

I’m thankful for the Still Small Voice that is always telling us what we need, and what we have to do to get there. It may seem hard and require too much humbling, but I think, if we listen, what we really do want IS what we really need.

Walking in denial will never get us there.

Walking in the TRUTH will.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 ESV

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” 1 Peter 5:6 NLT

“Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;
    only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.” Proverbs 1:7 MSG

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6 NLT