You Are Here, Now

Hello, all. I have reprinted the poem that I gave you for perusal and thought on yesterday. Sometimes, in life, you are pushed into a new position whether of your choosing or not. In times like that, it is imperative to think things through and not dwell on how you got there. You have to assess the new situation, whether it is a new position at your job, elevated positioning in the community,  a move to a new locale, etc. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that you are there.
The question will ensue, what to do? You will be very aware that all eyes are on you, to see whether your performance will live up to the standards that have been set for the position.
Sometimes, if you were thrust into this position through no choice of your own, you will become resentful of the person who caused you to be thrust into the limelight, so to speak, but that feeling should not last long.  The fact of the matter is, you are here now; what are you going to do?

• Every move you make will be assessed by the way the previous occupant of the position would have handled the situation.
• If you happen to be privy to information as to how the previous occupant of the position handled it, use that info to your benefit. Use that info as a stepping off point. Determine within yourself, that you are going to do the job just as well or better than the previous occupant of the position.
• Get used to the glare of the limelight. It comes with the territory. Look at the second verse of the poem.
• Be prepared for people who you thought would have your back to turn on you.
• Build a team loyal to the cause and you.
• Be ever prayerful.

Living under a microscope
Is not really that bad
You assess the situation
And look at the former
Occupant of the position
Then you get in and do your best
To upgrade the job's condition.

To be effective, you must
Get used to praying like
You never prayed before
And having your every look
Gesture, reaction, and expression
Read and interpreted like an open book.

(The above two verses are excerpts of the poem, "What to Do?" from a soon-to-be released anthology, Excelsior.)

Doing What I Can, While I Can
Alma Jones