Heard a speaker yesterday talk about being deposited in others lives, about passing the baton of wisdom, experience and knowledge.
We have talked a great deal about that in this forum.

When passing the baton in a race there is a confined space of twenty yards in which to transfer it. Too early or too late is just that and it brings a penalty.

In life, it requires the proper timing as well. You don’t give an automobile to your son when he is 8. Also, you do not put physical expectations on a 90 year old man.
There is a timing in giving away authority. I know a man who owns a very successful business. His sons are in it with him. One day he will pass it to them… they could handle a lot of it now. However, he did not turn all authority over to them the day they came in the door. Some experience can be taught, other experience must be experienced.

There is a timing to passing the baton and it rests mostly with the holder.

We must lead, train and instruct the receiver before placing the baton of our accumulated experience within their younger hands… yet it must be done.

To give it away too late is as ill – timed as giving it too early.
Many people hold on too long and never release anything….and their tightly wrapped fingers can strangle the life out of the forever-waiting recipient.

Life is about getting it to the next generation. That’s legacy.
Too early might indicate laziness. Passing it too late probably reveals selfishness in the holder.

Work to pass the baton.

As the runner approaches the hand-off zone….their mind begins to order their steps correctly, think precisely and reach properly to pass the instrument .
Do that.

If you are the receiver, do not start sprinting too soon , do not reach to take it as much as you hold out you hand to receive it.
There’s an important difference in reaching and receiving.

Experience, knowledge and wisdom can be gained alone. All the better to receive it from another who has accumulated it and brings it to you.

Important transfer.

Terry
October 6, 2014

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