Smooth Stones Take Time

by Aubrey Patterson

It would be wonderful if we could avoid the bumps, bruises, and pain that come with growing, right? 

Or would it?

Difficult Times

Warm demander leaders enhance the culture in challenging times by being compassionate, constructive, and courageous.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress. - Frederick Douglass

In good times, we don't move until we're uncomfortable, much like how we might wait until we're actually shivering before we put on a sweater. Often, some of our best results come from discomfort or even pain. 

Every problem introduces a person to himself. - John McDonnell

Smooth Stones

Imagine a rapidly flowing river replete with jagged rocks on the edge and smooth stones under the surface. 

The stones are worn down by the water that rushes over them and by the other stones bumping up against them. Their beauty is amplified by their sharp contrast with the rough-edged rocks sitting on the periphery, relatively unscathed.

The smooth stones weren't always smooth; it took many tumultuous years in the most powerful currents for them to be so polished.

Shortcuts? 

Sure, you can buy a rock tumbler but the result is just a bunch of smooth stones, without the context of the beautiful river and the latent potential in the rough rocks at the river's edge. 

Polished rocks aren't nearly as beautiful without the jagged and precarious context.

Smooth stones take time. 

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