Perspective

This has been quite the year.  I've watched businesses that are my major source of income slip into recession yet again, signs of a sinking dollar, financial insecurity growing with politicians proudly displaying their brinkmanship skills, a continual string of assaults on our freedoms and an increase in third-world mentality growing all around us.  I received, from a good friend, this Tony Robbins video that helps put our current financial situation in clear perspective.  It's a very good use of 20 minutes of your time.  

After watchng it, I had every reason in the world to be depressed and hopeless, and I've never felt more joy in my life.  I know that we are in for some very rough times, but I have family that seems to be drawing in more closely around me, unrivaled opportunities for service and a sense of spiritual peace that is growing in direct contrast to the instability and frustrations around me.

I'm working on a project to help youth recognize consequences of major choices they make early in life.  I'm finding countless opportunities to focus inward and learn more about myself every day.  I'm excited at the potential good this program can be for a generation that is truly "under fire".  The assault on values and freedoms is unprecidented and I feel a growing need to become part of a solution. 

I guess what I am learning is probably something most of you learned years ago, but the perspective that change and age brings can be of great value if we take the time to reflect, ponder and pray.  During this Thanksgiving time, I express my gratitude for the perspective each of you brings to my life.  Your struggles, trials and joys CAN add perspective to all of our lives if we just take the time to recognize each for what it truly is - a tender mercy.

A Season of Reflection

Well, I guess sufficient time as lapsed that no one of you will consider me a "blog junkie".  Consistency is not part of my "long suit".

 

Sheree and I bought "heated gear" for the Harley so that we can stay warm and extend our riding season by a couple of months each year. 

 

We suited up a couple of weeks ago and rode to Telluride Colorado, then south through some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen.  You just don't get any better than the high Rockies.  We went through Ouray and Silverton (two old mining towns) and then down to Durango.  Then back up to see Black Canyon.  If you've never been, I highly recommend it.  The scenery is breathtaking and the air is still moderately clean.  Coming home, we lost our headlights, but were able to make it to a little town of Rangely.  We're sure glad they had a couple of hotels, because it would have been dark long before we got into Vernal.  Tender mercies!

 

Last week, knowing that the season is quickly coming to a close, we just decided to take a quick trip to Southern Utah.  We went to our favorite restaurant in Torrey Utah, Cafe Diablo.  The food is excellent and after a long day on the bike, we always have a hearty appetite.  We like Torrey because it is quaint and located with rugged red cliffs to the North, Boulder Mountain to the South, and Capital Reef to the East.

 

We rode over to Goblin Valley, and up to Green River.  The melons there this time of year are incredible!  Then we drove over to Arches and then back to Dead Horse Point.  We really enjoyed the time together, and there is something very calming about spending an entire day out in nature.

 

All of this sensory overload got me thinking.  It's amazing to me how much time we spend on things that are relatively silly and create no lasting memories.  My time away from the silliness helps me to focus on what it truly worthwhile.  I saw roads that men carved through the mountains that seemed impenetrable.  I saw landscapes that put any creation of man to shame and rival the masterpieces in grandeur and beauty.  Watching a sky full of stars puts you in your place and reestablishes an appropriate perspective of things.

 

We love all of you and hope that you get some time for reflection in your lives as well.