Recently I was giving someone directions to our Urbandale, Iowa home and used the phrase that all of us have either used or heard hundreds of time, "As the crow flies." I was indicating the shortest distance between here and there to my friend.

Later I thought about that statement and it occurred to me that whether you are driving from Point A to Point B or are creating your own business—there ain’t no crow, there ain’t no straight line and it is a blessing that there isn’t.

Several years ago the oldest of our three sons and his fiancée—both Iowans—decided to get married in Wicklow Town, Ireland. We had a fabulous time spending an extra week on the Emerald Isle after the wedding, experiencing many wonderful adventures.

One of them happened on a winding country Irish road that led us from one wonderful site to another. On this occasion we stopped for an ice cream cone and as we pulled up saw four middle-aged Irish women enjoying the beautiful sunny afternoon laughing, smoking cigarettes and gabbing away in their wonderful brogues.

I was captivated by the moment and asked if I could snap a photo. Of course, they agreed.

Back in the states I wrote a story for a newspaper commemorating the event sharing the story of my wonderful unexpected adventure in meeting four ‘Wild Irish Roses who stole my heart away."

The same is true of the business that you are creating. You will encounter delightful hills and deep valleys in your endeavor. I guarantee that nothing will come about exactly as you expect. There will be dark scary hours juxtaposed with incredible moments that thrill you to the bone. There will be monotonous activities that are vital to your success. You will fail in some projects and excel in others.

The path from here (wherever that is) to there (wherever that is) will not be a straight line. My suggestion to you is to get on your knees and thank God that it isn’t. You never know what that next turn on the road will bring to you. It might just be four middle-aged Irish ladies who will steal your heart away.

Bill Sheridan

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