The last couple of weeks my wife and I have been on a trip to British Columbia. I had a lot of time to reflect while my wife and I traveling around the province enjoying each other and the sites.  I finally was able to complete this assignment, in terribly late fashion, while bunking in a hotel room in multiple small towns.  While completing research into other careers and what it is to be an entrepreneur, I was able to ponder and understand my own personal choices to become involved with a mechanical trade.  I can see now, twenty years later, how the Lord blessed me with skills and abilities to succeed in this career.  It hasn’t always been easy; however, I’ve found that as I apply different technical and communicative skills, I’ve been able to thrive at whatever I’ve set out to accomplish.  I realize most of these skills were learned or developed while serving a full-time mission.

         This past week during study time I really enjoyed a quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley, “There is no substitute under the heavens for productive labor. It is the process by which dreams become realities. It is the process by which idle visions become dynamic achievements. It is work that spells the difference in life. It is stretching our minds and utilizing the skills of our hands that lift us from mediocrity.”  I first learned from my parents that hard work is a principle from God.  Then, through life lessons and experiences, I’ve applied that principle and found it true.  By serving without complaint in church responsibilities and going the extra mile at work, I try and show, by example, that there truly is no substitute for productive labor.

        During our past travels we had the opportunity to watch an old movie with Robin Williams as the star, "Dead Poets Society."  Upon close reflection, I’ve got mixed feelings about the whole “Carpe Diem” idea.  When service opportunities arise, I think it’s best to seize the opportunity and get things done.  However, I believe mortality is a time best suited for contemplation and listening.  I don’t think “we’ll just be food for the worms, cold…”, I think we’re here to learn and adjust.  I love the anecdote by Pres. Thomas S. Monson about listening to the spirit.  He’s lived a life of straining to hear the whispering and directions of the spirit, then jumping to the task.  If this is “Carpe Diem”, then I agree with that principle.  However, Mr. Keating (played by Williams), taught the lesson of “eat, drink and be merry”, make yourself happy.  This is one principle that I strive and debunk to my kids, the quick and easy choice rarely is the best.