One word can change the most challenging situation, and redefine your life. Just one word. Do you know it?
Low points are a terrible vantage point to see your life picture. Yet, this is most often how we define our life as we tell our stories to others. We fix our minds on the pain – because it hurts. What if there was something more? Something that redirected EVERYTHING to a vantage point that saw a complete trajectory of your life?
A simple overlooked word in a story I’ve read a thousand times changed everything for me.
The Story of Joseph
Let’s highlight a portion of the story of Joseph – yes, the man who had the multi-colored coat.
- Joseph had a bunch of older brothers.
- He was daddy’s favorite, which made his brothers jealous.
- His dad gave him a multi-colored tunic – to show the world that Joseph was his favorite.
- Joseph had dreams telling him he would rule over his brothers and father.
- His brothers were offended, jealous, and hated Joseph.
- Dad was confused, rebuking Joseph for what he said, but he still loved him.
- Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers and sold into slavery.
- His brothers told their dad that Joseph was dead…eaten by a fierce animal.
Joseph was at a low point in his life. From sharing a vision of how he would rule over his brothers, he was dropped in a hole, then sold to slave traders. His future was unknown; by all accounts, that should have been the end of the recording story. But instead, it could have been a story about the dangers of jealousy and why selling siblings into slavery is terrible.
But it wasn’t.
*At least it wasn’t only that. Jealousy is dangerous, and selling siblings into slavery is terrible.
The “Meanwhile”
In a lengthy chapter of the first book of the bible, introducing Joseph, the final sentence contains one word that transforms the story. This word builds what will ultimately become something much more significant.
The word – meanwhile.
Meanwhile, Joseph was sold in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharoah’s officials, the captain of the guard
Genesis 37:36
Joseph’s, meanwhile, would take him into both ups and downs.
Up: responsible for the entire household of Potiphar
Down: Falsely accused and sent to jail
Up: Put in charge of all prisoners, consulted with Pharoah on his dreams
Down: forgotten in jail for two years
Up: Brought back to consult with Pharoah, given authority over all of Egypt
Joseph went through his fair share of difficulty. He was enslaved, he was a convict, and he was presumed dead by his family. Meanwhile, each of these low points for Joseph was preparing him to become the second most powerful person in the known world. After he had proven himself and his character time and time again, he was elevated to be Pharoah’s second in command – in charge of seeing the land through great adversity. His life transformed the future of millions throughout generations and became an example for when we feel betrayed, smeared, lost, and living in chaos.
Why? Because of his meanwhile.
Define your meanwhile
The specifics of your life probably don’t look like Joseph’s. However, your story has a similar pattern of low points, which probably shaped you more than you’d care to admit. You may even have the list of common topics playing in your memory, reminding you of the betrayal, pain, and contempt. Meanwhile, there’s a larger story playing out. Your story.
You cannot avoid all difficulties in your life. Not possible. Not helpful. However, you can refine your vantage point and see these low points for what they are – a part of the story, but not the whole picture. They are essential learning opportunities but,
They don’t define your identity.
They don’t define your goal.
They don’t define your plan.
Your challenges only represent one small part of your journey – your opportunity to learn, grow and become.
Your meanwhile is your transition point – where the low points do not have the power, but the lessons you learn and your courage fuel your true strength.
Your plan
It starts with your identity. Who are you, and what defines you? Others do not answer this. Someone’s anger, betrayal, or contempt towards you defines them, not you. Your identity can only change when you allow it to change. Make sure that you are purposeful with defining identity. Know the source of your identity and why it’s important to you. Embrace your identity, and hold fast.
Your difficulty doesn’t define your journey but may determine your current location. To take the following steps, you need to understand enough about your challenge to know how to navigate through it. Allow yourself the time to process the valley – paying attention to the trails, roads, and ways out. Your difficulty is an opportunity for growth. Choose to grow.
Your difficulty does not change your goal. Like Joseph’s vision – have a goal. Define your future, and don’t let situations or others define it for you. Their goals for you will never be as powerful as your own goals for yourself. Don’t relegate your future to others. You deserve a future that fulfills your goals.
Your difficulty doesn’t need to alter your path. Set a path. Write it down. Take notes daily on how you are progressing, what you are learning, and how each step forward allows you to see a different picture. Revise your goals and your path to get there. Amazing things will happen.
We believe in you
At Outsmart Chaos, we believe in you. We want you to succeed in finding the most remarkable growth and joy in achieving your goals.
The most significant thing we believe you can do is to take focused notes on your identity and process to achieve your goals. If you’re ready to get started, grab one of our journals to show that you are ready to Outsmart your Chaos.
