Balanced Perspective

I was a young man beginning at the beginning of a corporate career. I was not very savvy about corporate politics, but very fortunate, the Director of Human Resources had taken a personal interest in my development plan. He chose me as his golf partner in our company golf league, and we played golf together every week for a number of years. George was a tremendously competitive man both on the golf course and in his professional life. He was a devout Christian with tremendous integrity.

   One day, as we were playing golf, I was briefing him on a significant issue we were facing, and he was asking particular questions to develop his understanding of the facts and what our responses had been to that point. As we were riding between shots, he suddenly said, “You need to make sure you have a blend of W.C. Fields and the Boy Scout Motto.” I was stunned and asked him what he meant. He replied, “The more experience you gain and the more challenges you have, you must always remain optimistic and, at the same time, always be prepared. Now, I’m going to make this putt, and if I don’t, you’re my back up plan.”

   I worked for George for about ten years, and we were partners the whole time. I never saw him compromise his integrity or violate his rule. He was always prepared and, as a result, always optimistic.

   As we work our way through the challenge/s that face us, may we optimistically claim, “This too shall pass,” as we wash our hands, maintain the discipline of social distancing, and continue to be prepared.

   A healthy perspective in life is always about hopeful optimism and being prepared.

Brother Mike Densmore