Don't Let Cows Get in Your Way

"Mom, why are you cutting off the end of the ham before you cook it? Because that's the way my mother did it. But why did she do it? I don't know dear, she just did. Oh, okay... Mom, can I call Grandma?"

"Um, sure."

"Grandma, why do you cut off the end of the ham before you cook it? Well dear, my roasting pan is too small for the whole ham"

Do you do things because that's the way things have always been done? An honest examination of our behaviors can reveal habits or practices that are perpetuated with no real reason. Some of these behaviors can be damaging. Many can impede you from going where you want to go.

In his book, "Killing Sacred Cows", Garrett Gunderson explores many of the financial myths that he says are keeping us from going where we want to go financially.

He teaches that you need to gauge your financial success, not by net worth, but by "human life value." In other words, is what you are working for making you happy, are you fulfilled and living your purpose?

If not you should reevaluate what you're doing.

A good honest look at your self can be painful, but truly great change can only begin with that first step.

Are you living the life you want to live? Are you making the difference you know you can make? If not then let this be a wake-up call. Life is short, make the most of it.

Double-bit Therapy

Wood chips flew as the axe sunk deeply into the soft green log. So badly, at times, he wanted to just be like everyone else. Why couldn't he relax after a long hard day? Something within kept at him until he was driven from the house out to the log pile. It had been this way for years.

You might think he was just out for some fresh air or exercise. He didn’t need it, cutting trees all day keeps you in top shape.

Looking back, I believe he was restless. While mopping his brow, his eye would wander to the mountains, much like the mountain men of yesteryear. Given the choice, I believe he would have trekked off into them with his “possibles bag” and his gun. The responsibilities of a family kept him grounded, but I think he never quite felt like he was living the life that would have pleased him most.

Later in life, he channeled some of that energy. He built a business with his sons. He ran a trap-line (to satisfy the mountain man). He educated himself, served in his church and wrote poetry.

Poetry? From the man who couldn’t relax? This may seem odd until you realize that everything he did was an effort to tell his story.

I don’t know if my father ever felt at ease with himself. He slowed down in his later years but that same old restlessness still persisted. I don’t think he realized all he had accomplished. His persistent effort to tell his story lifted his family out of poverty. He opened the way of spiritual fulfillment to his family and many friends. He instilled a love of learning in his son.

The story he told was messy and challenging. I don’t know that it was the story he wanted to tell. All I know is because he had the courage to keep telling it, lives around him were changed for the better.

When your story gets messy and the challenges mount up, keep swinging your axe. You never know where the chips will fall.

Snow Glorious Snow!

April 7, 2013... Here I am gazing out my window as the snow slowly sifts past my window. Yes, I said April 7 and snow in the same breath. The funny thing is, I know Spring will come, someday, it always does. Within a few weeks from today Summer will spring forth in all its glory. New leaves will erupt from those dead looking trees which surround us, sentinels of the cold winter. Since the forecast is calling for even more snow, I thought I could pen a few words of encouragement for my friends in Alaska.

You folks in warmer climes are asking the obvious question. "Why do you people live there?" My answer is this; When it is 106 degrees in a couple months where you live, I'll be standing on the bank of a world class fishing river, breathless from the panoramic view of jagged mountains jutting 6000 feet straight up from sea level. The temperature will be a balmy 70 degrees and there will be nearly unlimited daylight. Life will run at a frantic pace for a few months because, frankly, I forget to go to bed.

Take heart fellow Alaskans, as my Dad always said, snow in April just makes Spring come faster. I'm not sure of his science on this subject, but it always seemed to work. Soon the glory days of Summer will be here. This is just a test to see if you have the mettle to deserve a glorious Alaskan Summer. So, hold out a little longer, winter's reign will soon be over. (Oh and if you have any pull with the Man upstairs, pray it don't rain too much.)

Make Some Time

The past couple of weeks I've gotten myself into an uncomfortable position. My son was having trouble with his Chemistry class in school, so the hero, me, opened my big mouth and said I would help. You must realize, it has been 25 years since I have cracked open a chemistry book, so to jump in, in the middle of the second semester, has been a bit challenging. This is how it works, I read the chapter he is going to be studying next, work through the study questions, familiarizing myself with the work, so if he gets stuck, I can help him work through it.

It has gone fairly well and I soon remembered that chemistry class was kinda fun, a lot of work but enjoyable. The best part though is the extra time I have been able to spend with my son. We get a couple hours a night to talk, laugh and agonize together, what a deal!

It is not often that an opportunity like this comes around. If you get a chance to do something like this with your child, don't squander the blessing. One on one time with a child pays some of the greatest dividends in family life. Remember, they are only with us for a short time, so make the most of it.