Chapter 1: The Encounter with the Fly

Not long ago, while driving to my workplace, I spotted a tiny black dot fluttering against my windshield. My heart raced in response. Attempting to remain calm, I briefly diverted my gaze from the road to investigate this unexpected visitor.

My aversion to insects is well-founded. Bees, for instance, have always been a source of dread for me. In my childhood, they were inexplicably drawn to my golden-brown hair, much like fans at a Harry Styles concert. I couldn't escape their persistent presence!

Then there are mosquitoes. These tiny, bloodthirsty creatures are akin to miniature vampires, freely roaming and feasting on the blood of their unsuspecting targets. Honestly, why isn’t there a stronger movement advocating for their elimination?

Fortunately, the intruder in my car turned out to be merely a harmless fly. I felt my heart rate return to normal. While flies can be bothersome and occasionally bite, they're generally innocent.

Out of pity for this trapped creature, I bravely rolled down my driver's side window. "Go free, little buddy! Return to the world you cherish!"

Photo by Bailey Hall on Unsplash

Despite my noble gesture, the foolish fly refused to exit through the open window. Instead, it persistently attempted to escape through the windshield, repeatedly crashing into the glass. I even waved my hand, urging it toward the wide opening beside me. "Come on, little fly! The window is wide open! It’s simple!"

Yet, my efforts were futile. The fly continued its futile dance, only to smash into the windshield time and again.

At this point, I became convinced that flies lack an understanding of English.

After a few more minutes of this, I eventually surrendered to the stubborn insect. I needed to concentrate on driving and lost any sympathy for a creature that had been presented with such a significant opportunity but chose to waste it by sticking to its misguided instincts.

I rolled up the window, and the incessant buzzing and occasional thuds against the windshield filled the silence. A twinge of guilt washed over me for abandoning the fly, but I felt powerless to assist further. Ultimately, it was up to the fly to take that leap through the window.

As the writer William Arthur Ward once said,

"Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them."

Have you ever found yourself feeling like that fly?

Have you been yearning for an opportunity that seems perpetually elusive? Are you caught in a loop, repeating the same actions in hopes of a different outcome? Do you sometimes overlook a chance right before you, choosing instead to cling to what feels secure?

Many miss out on significant opportunities due to a distorted sense of timing. Don’t wait! The perfect moment will never arrive. - Stephen C. Hogan

The next time you encounter an opportunity and hesitate to seize it, remember the Parable of the Fly. Do you wish to continue banging your head against the windshield, or would you rather fly through the window and explore a new realm?

Ultimately, it’s up to you to make that leap through the window.