This morning I got up early and headed to the DVR lodge for some much needed coffee and quiet time. The sun was shining bright, the air was crisp, and as I walked across the decking I could smell the fragrant fire burning bright inside. There were only two folks in the lodge at the crack of dawn – perfect. After pouring my coffee I grabbed a seat near the fire and settled in. My thoughts went forward and back, some good some not so good. The plan for the day was rehearsed as were the anticipated troubles. My mind ran with these thoughts and before long ran away with them. The interruption came when the young man in charge of the fire realized his once roaring blaze and fallen on hard times and was barely a burning ember.
Like a young pro, he cracked some dry branches and carefully laid them across the warm embers. Next, he put some small logs in a pyramid kinda formation. He looked like he knew what he was doing and my anticipation grew for the soon to return flame. After cracking a few more small ones, he stood back and waiting for it all to catch. He waited. I watched. He waited. I wondered…
You could sense his frustration build as Cowboy Bob came in from the kitchen. Bob, decked from head to toe in authentic cowboy gear walked over to his young friend who was staring at a dying, former fire. Bob didn’t say a word. He slowly removed his cowboy hat, stuck it in the fireplace, and gave it a couple flips of his wrist, ever so slightly. Within seconds the place was ablaze again. The fire cracked and roared with delight. Bob turned to his young friend and said simply, “You didn’t know how to use your hat, did you?” Both smiled. Lesson learned.
Today, remember, you and I are a lot like the young cow poke playing with fire. We know most of what is needed to keep our internal flame afire, but not everything. It is good to learn from the young and not so young around you – especially those whose aim is to rekindle, reignite, and reengage. I’m off for a hike in the mountains with a few that I love. I’m gonna try and remember to use my hat. Good…
BUILT TO LEAD 