There is a gizmo that helps kids train to play hockey. A large rotating circle much like the record players of my childhood keeps turning, with obstacles on it, and the player has to maintain control of the puck as they swing past. Probably such things are adapted for other sports too: baseballs that keep coming, a constant stream of basketballs.

It does enable a motivated kid to sharpen his or her skills all alone. Which can make the difference when the real clock is ticking. 

The other day I was listening to a friend who has issues at work. Cooperating with customers, as well as coworkers feels like a never ending series of obstacles to getting her job done. And yet. 

Sometimes I wonder if it is all a ruse. We are led to believe that the real task is making widgets. With good reason, because that is what our boss hired us for, and pays us to do. But on another level, one that has no ink on a resume, it is about our ability to navigate obstacles gracefully. Not let them knock us off balance. 

Last week in marriage group several people appreciated their partner for the way they handled hurdles. Medical. Financial. Domestic. Kids. 

It seems that most of us have whirling dervishes flinging obstructions at us. Honing the skill of  dribbling around them keeps us in the game.