If you are like me, then you always want your first attempt at anything to be a win. We know such does not always happen. But we want it. Even with Spirit-led innovation sometimes we have to attempt for Asia and Bithynia before reaching Philippi (Acts 16:1-12).
I taught a doctoral seminar last week for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. While going through airport security in North Carolina the security guard told me that I was cleared to go through the TSA Pre-check line. I questioned his call, knowing I had not completed the requirements for such a privilege. He just said, “it’s a random thing sometimes.”
For those of you not familiar with the Pre-check option, I’ll let you Google it.
Now, here I was going through the fast-line for the first time. No taking off my clothes and the other things that slow down the lines. I was going to roll through there faster than the General Lee (without the flag on top) and K.I.T.T. put together.
Everything was flying past quickly until the x-ray machine picked up something in my suitcase. The mic I use for recording Strike the Match is not TSA friendly. (I use a Blue Yeti for you future travelers.)
For the next few minutes, a TSA representative went through my suitcase, removed my mic, and tested it for suspicious residue. I did not mind the delay. Such is a necessary precaution. However, I could not overlook the irony: the speedy line became one of my longest security delays.
I’m sure the process will go much faster the next time I go through the Pre-check line. It would not be wise to judge the line based on my first attempt; it would be even worse to give up on the line altogether.
As a leader, don’t give up if the first time or two is not what you expected. Hang in there. You are blazing a new path. You are going to the edge and beyond. It may take a while to get to the desired outcome. It may take a few attempts to get to Philippi, especially if you are transporting a Blue Yeti.
———-
My latest book, To the Edge: Reflections on Kingdom Leadership, Mission, and Innovation, is now available.