You don’t leave it standing on the doorstep. You invite it in and feed it chocolate cake.
I read that in a book recently by Carolyn Brown, and it really made me smile. Such a great southern way to make a statement. But it sure makes sense.
Think about it. I picture a well dressed man, most likely in his early 40’s, holding a briefcase and knocking on a front door while standing on the porch, with blue hydrangeas in full bloom in the background.
He carefully taps on the brass door knocker as he’s smiling, waiting for the door to open, ready to present an unexpected opportunity to one of the unsuspecting people inside.
He’s invited in, and presents the opportunity while sitting at the table in a sunny kitchen, with a cup of coffee and a slice of fresh baked chocolate cake.
Personally, I would have offered wine and a fruit and cheese board, but that’s just me.
Now of course we’re not really talking about a literal chocolate cake, or cheese board, but it makes a great visual.
The point is, when an opportunity comes your way, don’t immediately dismiss it. Don’t form an instant negative opinion because it’s not exactly what you had in mind.
Don’t think of all the reasons you shouldn’t take a chance, or sometimes even think seriously about that opportunity.
So it isn’t exactly what you thought you’d like to do, or where you’d like to live.
It may even seem like it’s a step backward, although there’s a real potential to advance a lot farther than you are now. And probably quicker than it took you in your current situation.
So what do you do? Ignore it totally? Agree to think about it? Talk it over with a few others? Or jump in and decide to take a chance?
And maybe have another piece of chocolate cake?
Or maybe that cheese board with a glass of wine!
Don’t be afraid to take a chance. And don’t take too long to decide. It may not come again.
Or opportunity may go somewhere else where he/she’s wanted and open to taking a chance. And they’ll be the ones enjoying that chocolate cake, and maybe even the wine and cheese board!