I read somewhere that roughly 90% of the worlds population believe in a higher power taking the form of one deity or another. Each seems to have a slightly overlapping set of guidelines, goals, and overall sense of purpose for coming together on weekly or daily basis. While I exist in the 10% minority, it appears to me that the regular congregation seems largely to offer one primary purpose—support. Life is sometimes full of strife and would be difficult to overcome some of the challenges without some form of emotional and physical support. Religion in it’s most basic form seems architected to provide that very kind of structure and support to the masses. Many pray on a regular basis offering thanks for what they have, but it seems a natural instinct to look to a higher power in times of dire need. How many times have you seen someone on a TV show or movie “pray to God” that if God will help them _______ they’ll never ______ again. It’s an illustration of human nature, proving that we all need help and sometimes it’s easier to look externally to find strength. Many turn to the Almighty which offers a never ending resource of strength and support. Religion promises to put like minded people in a room together to talk about their times of joy, and their hardships. Beyond the social support dynamic, the religious person is also offered a sense of solace while away from the group and draws upon it when they feel scared, alone, loose self confidence in their ability, or feel that something is totally out of their control. So they turn to their support system, perhaps pray, and in the end they search for aid, for answers, and for the strength to overcome their current obstacle.

But where do the rest of us go to draw upon this kind of support? If not God, who exists in our life to provide the kind of fortitude necessary to endure life’s challenges? Where is our guide? Where is our source of unwavering strength which we can look upon when needed and regain our self confidence and be reassured of victory over difficult times?

To your Ranger Bob, of course. Simplistic in outward appearance Ranger Bob is just that, a park ranger named Bob. But like the religions mentioned above, much more lies beneath the surface. I met Ranger Bob a few years ago. I don’t claim to know him well. But it’s clear from what I’ve seen and from what I’ve been told that he is a person who exudes the things we all need: wisdom, strength, camaraderie, and of course, unquestionable support. More than a single person, Ranger Bob is an idea. A much more earthly concept than Him, it’s an idea that in each of our lives there exists someone who offers aged advice, knows when to listen, and never doubts your ability. Like prayer, used in the right amount this person can offer you hope, return your self confidence, and help to show you the way through life’s sticky situations.

Also like prayer, I think our Ranger Bob’s can be abused. Sometimes we spend too much time drawing on their support and forget to acknowledge all they do for us. So make a mental note and if you haven’t thanked your Ranger Bob lately, it might be due time.

Happy 69th R.B.

In the continuing quest for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, a friend and I have an ongoing conversation about how your job, the thing you spend most of your life doing, should make you happy. The debate typically has two sides: you find work that makes your life enjoyable; or you work to make money so that the rest of your life is enjoyable. He emailed a recent experience that perfectly illustrates the idea.

The punch-line of their financial pictures was…impactful.

During a recent business trip I had the pleasure of meeting two Johns. I spent about 5 hours with each of them, but certainly had no more than 30 minutes of one on one conversation with either. Their reputation’s preceded both of them, and they both lived up to the hype. Two very smart guys, and we had a blast as we worked through the week. But now that I’m back in home, I realize there was a lesson to be learned.

John #1
At first glance, you’d think this first John was homeless. His age showed even more when he pulled back his long gray hair into a scruffy ponytail and revealed the lines age had carved in his face. Under his 4 layers of denim, I could tell he barely weighed a buck and a quarter. To call him a hippie would be right on the mark, although he may be more laid back than most hippies. After wandering around for his younger years, this John bought a pottery supply store in the 70’s and now runs it with his wife. He’s a potter by trade, and he sells clay to other potters. I was in awe of the mutual respect he had with the potters in the community, truly an important man to the industry. These days, someone else runs his store, and he networks with other potters.

A few years ago, a customer had questions on how to fire a 25 year old kiln, but had no money to bring in a consultant for help. John came to the rescue and he did it in style. He drove his fully restored 1969 Triumph Convertible across Texas, fired that kiln like it was a day old and didn’t charge the lady a dime.

At Thursday’s dinner John drew an amazing map of Texas during the first course to help us visually follow along with one of his more entertaining stories (involving a kiln, a dust storm and of course, his Triumph). The map, complete with a little sail boat in the Gulf and fires to the north, was done in pencil and ball point pen. When John stood up to go to the restroom, a fellow “artist” sitting nearby ran over and begged for the map, offering $50 on the spot. John let the map go for nothing, but this speaks volumes about his talent. In his spare time, he runs a charitable organization to raise money for the hungry and tries to share his knowledge with local students. He’s loving life more than ever right now, and the twinkle in his eye when he talks proves it.

John #2
Now, the other John graduated from a prominent university, passed the Bar Exam, and started practicing law before he was 25. This John might have ADD. First to talk, quick to laugh, and last one to tap out for the night. Most certainly near 40, he could be mistaken for a college frat boy slightly overdue for graduation.

A few years ago, his dad wanted to retire from the family business and with a little persuasion, this John became president of the a large manufacturer in the US. Now, in between supervising 50+ factory workers and various engineers, John also travels the country promoting his product. Of course, he’ll let you know about the over the top vacation he lives for every year. Like his African safari when he shot the wild boar that now graces the wall in his living room, or the fishing expedition for tuna off the coast of Costa Rica. And even though it finances his trips, he isn’t a big fan of the industry he’s in. He’s never even used his product for anything more than a customer demo. When he travels to network, he tends to drown his disdain for the industry in a beer…or twenty. Usually until he can’t walk back to his hotel room. On Tuesday night, at a local brewery, I’m fairly certain he succeeded in trying each of the 25 beers brewed on site.

At the end of the week, the second John couldn’t leave fast enough. Our meeting was over at 5:00 and his flight was 7:15. Meanwhile the first John was considering taking his wife dancing downtown. The gap between these fellas couldn’t have been wider.

Oh, I forgot to mention, both have a net worth over $10 million.

So as I flew home, I thought of these guys. Is one of the Johns happier than the other? Is the second suffering from contentment, afraid to leave the security of the family business? Is his dislike keeping him from bigger success? Is the first considered more successful because he is passionate?

Which John do I want to be and how do I get there?

I don’t typically engage in government conspiracy theories (with the exception of defending the NASA Moon landings…don’t get me started). It never once occurred to me that the events of 9/11 were anything more than what we were told on the news. Perhaps that’s a clear illustration of how the average American was “supposed” to respond to those horrible events. I, like many others, suddenly became overwhelmed with a feeling of patriotism and united with fellow Americans in believing that we were viscously attacked and “at war”.

Yesterday I sat through a well composed independent documentary making some strong assertions about how our very own government was solely responsible for executing the events of that day and the subsequent cover up. While I’m by no means convinced this is entirely true, it has made me question my own recollection of that day and the resulting actions of a government who became “justified” in several questionable actions over last few years. That day was a complicated set of events with a number of uncontrollable variables, namely people under extreme stress. Will we ever know the truth? Will the American public blindly swallow the government’s “story”. Are the Conspiracy theorists simply bored and need a new challenge? Or will this become the next conspiracy theory to be analyzed for decades like the JFK assassination.

It’s long, but well worth a look.

While that equation probably wont show up on your math final, it was the result of last night’s pre-holiday get together at a local pub. Drawn together by one common link (thanks Norm!), a group of total strangers really can connect, drink, and end the evening with an impressive light show (thanks Curt!).

Check it out.