abandon ship: v. To leave or forsake a ship due to its impending doom. To leave a person or organization when things become difficult.
People are always jumping ship, bailing when the current situation gets hard. Couples may find it easier to leave a marriage when the honeymoon has passed, and the grind of daily life takes over. The thrill of the new job wears off when its schedule interrupts personal activities, and co-workers become annoying. The friend who promised to be there “through thick and thin,” is missing in action when you really need them. “Sorry. I’m busy right now.”
A common thread runs through this kind of person. They are unreliable and lack commitment.
'The grass is greener on the other side’ often motivates actions as people feel their own life would be better or happier in a different job, situation, or location. Many in this world are never satisfied with their current state and are in a constant, elusive search for happiness and contentment.
Reliability is a quiet, stalwart quality within a person. You’ll not find a billboard proclaiming its presence; you’ll not even be aware of it when you meet them. Notice is given, however, as everyday life plays out…and when pressure is present. You can depend on them; they are steady, strong, and true.
When you add in commitment, you have a person who makes a difference, whatever the circumstances.
I was watching a post-game interview yesterday with a young female basketball player whose dream and goal of winning a national championship for her team had just come to an end. She was questioned by a reporter about prior decisions she had made to stay with a coach, school, and its program when she probably had multiple opportunities to transfer.
As a counter to the common 'green grass' phrase, she said, “The
grass is green where you water." Profound. Wise.
She watered the grass around her well. Her leadership, composure, and steadfast traits brought her team into an enviable position for any college team—one team out of eight in the nation, three wins away from becoming the NCAA champions.
Did she do it by herself? Of course not. The team is filled with talent; the coach is consistent in his approach to making the girls part of a family; the supporting staff and the fans flesh it all out. But she made a difference.
There is a spiritual application here. A walk of faith is sometimes difficult. By its very nature, we are called to live without sight—both spiritual and physical. We are asked to rely upon an unseen, invisible spirit and promises He has made. Many times the silence is deafening as we struggle to find purpose, not only in our lives, but in things that happen to us and around us.
The temptation to give up, forsake it all, and find what feels like an easier way may present itself. Focus on the present; remember the past. Live life seeking and trusting the One who has brought you to this point. You’ll not be disappointed.
Be that reliable, committed person who makes a difference by living an unwavering life with God, your Creator--even if all you can muster at the moment is a small watering can. You might even get some daisies along with the green grass.
“The grass is green where you water.”