Today's peacock is tomorrow's feather duster.
After my first few years in the apparel business, I was able to make enough money to perfect my 'peacock routine', by trading-in my old green Chevy for my first BIG car.
My brand new 4-door BUICK Electra was a peacock in it's day! Being 29 years old and somewhat cocky, I must admit, I felt like I had arrived!
But in a very short time, my business took a sharp downturn. I guess that's when I first realized, that in business or in life, situations and things can change rapidly. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, and feel like you’re on top of the world. Whether it’s a new car, promotion at work, or a relationship, it can be easy to feel invincible. But like the old saying goes:
Today’s Peacock is Tomorrow’s Feather Duster.
The horror of being reduced from a peacock to a feather duster hangs over all of us. Life is full of many ups and downs. Nothing lasts forever, and no matter how high we climb the ladder of success, we will often slide back down to face failure and disappointment.
I had to learn to 'adapt', and it's not easy! Always be willing to step back from the spotlight into the humility of service as a feather duster! And use what you have learned to reach out and help others. As you encourage and help others, you too will be encouraged!
LIFE LESSON We should strive to be humble and gracious in the face of success, but be resilient and determined in the face of failure.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. -Proverbs 16:18