It was 3 in the afternoon and I was stopping to catch my breath from pushing that mower as fast as that little motor could keep up. I don’t bother with self-propelled because they can’t move in “Greg Speed’ and I won’t buy a riding mower because I refuse to admit that mowing a little subdivision yard is actually work, regardless of what my tendinitis says. So as I was watching my man card slip away through the stinging sweat in my eyes I noticed an image in the rear-view. It was my family laughing and chasing each other around the living room. By family I mean my cute fun loving wife, my four kids, and two standards. For the less cultured in the audience, I’ll clarify… Standard is short for Big Poodle. I try to act snobby about them because I know deep down, any ounce of tough lumberjack-type man-characteristics I still had were mercilessly put to death when my wife informed me that I own poodles.
As I sat there for a minute, half appreciating and half recuperating, I couldn’t help but think about how great it was that my teenage plans never worked out. You see, the curly headed brunette I’m married to is my childhood crush. We grew up houses from each other but never dated, only to end up married at forty after divorce. Two of the four kids are mine, so I’ll take my credit there, because they are wonderful and nearly raise themselves. The other two are hers, equally as wonderful and by favor or fate, adore my children. They also tolerate me which is quite a bit to ask of anyone. I’ll credit that to their youthful innocence. When they learn to know better I’m out of luck!
It’s mid-June, and aside from the heat and humidity, the common topic of conversation seems to be centered around people’s plans. Plans about family vacations for the summer or everyone’s plans to fit into that new swimsuit. But one common theme this time of year seems to be us discussing with new graduates what their plans for their future are. Because you should have life figured out by 18 or you’re going to be a failure, right? I wonder if we’re not screwing them up more than helping them. We act like they have to a road map to success by the time they can vote. I wonder how many of us are still on the same exact path that we chose in high school? Sure, I ended up in the desired destination by keeping my dream in the windshield, but trust me the GPS led me through the unexpected while taking a couple rest stops in crazyville. I believe we could be of greater help to the next generation if we spent less time giving advice on whether they become a Doctor or Lawyer and more time making them aware of the impact they can make on other people’s lives along the way. What if we put priority on coaching them on where they should end up as a person and not as a professional? The latter will take care of itself if the first is advanced. I’ve yet to find many unsuccessful people that Walked with Integrity and Worked with Discipline.
So let’s make it a mission to quit telling kids that they need their Plan figured out just yet. Let’s help them focus on having “A” Plan, not “The” Plan. A plan to advance as a person. To become disciplined in a lifestyle of education, and generosity. To do right when no one is looking, and defer praise to others when everyone is looking. To have A Plan for each day like Mr. Franklin, “What good shall I do Today?”. If they continue to move forward in that manner their careers will be good ones and their lives will be great ones.
I am most definitely one of the fortunate ones and I don’t take that for granted. I am sitting about where I would be in my career had I sacrificed all and focused only on career. I personally believe the detours in life helped me be prepared when I arrive here more than a straight line ever could have. Had I kept blinders on and stuck t to my 18 year old greg-plan, I would merely hold the title of VP. Looking back, I’m so happy that VP came well after holding the title of Son, Friend, Daddy, Husband, & Step-Dad. Boy would life had been a disappointment if only my plans would’ve worked out!
never-done.net 