I write to challenge you to look at the things you have in a different way. When you do this you can create the life you want. It is easy to look at what we have with a critical eye and diminish the value of what we possess. This made a huge difference in my personal life as outlined in one of my first blogs. Today, I want to share a sweet story from my childhood. I hope it helps serve as a reminder that the little things we do for our children can make a huge impact.
The Dreaded Science Project
At some point in my elementary school experience, my teacher tasked us with a project focusing on outer space. I remember fumbling with paper cylinders, after dark, the night before the assignment was due. The problem was trying to form a firm rocket body using typing or construction paper. I would roll it up, try to tape it, and form a tube. Each time, the tape gave way or the paper collapsed. Apparently, my father was paying more attention to my failed attempts than I realized.
Father Knows Best
My dad was usually working at his job or working in the yard. I only saw him still at night. He had a habit of snacking while he was still. This was before big box stores graced every corner. We lived in the country, a pretty good distance from any commercial establishments. Luckily, for my dad’s late-night munchy cravings, a small country market wasn’t too far away. It wasn’t uncommon for him to disappear for a few minutes and show up with a fist full of moon pies, bottles of pop, bags of chips, and peanut butter cheese crackers.
He walked up behind me as I fumbled through my failed building attempts and asked what I was doing. I explained my predicament. He mumbled something about dads who were engineers under his breath. Then he said, “I’ll be right back.” I figured he was off for a late-night snack run. I wasn’t wrong. But what he did upon returning lit a little fire in the creative part of my brain. He walked in with a tall can of chips. I don’t know if it was because I was small, or if things have really changed, but that can of chips with the mustache seemed a LOT taller then than it does now! Anyway, he proceeded to pour the chips into a large bowl, put the lid on the can, and handed it to me saying, “Here, use this.”
My Daddy is a Genious
Then, I’m not sure if I realized it, but something clicked inside of me. My dad had the amazing ability to repurpose just about anything. I covered the chip can with aluminum foil and made a paper funnel cap. The perfect rocket was born. This wouldn’t be the first time my dad became a genius in my eyes. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs how often we vacationed in the summer. This wasn’t necessarily because my family was made of money. We were very comfortable, but my parent’s frugality and my father’s ingenuity took us to places we otherwise wouldn’t have experienced.
Air Conditioning to Go
Consider the instance of his van air-conditioning contraption. We were able to stay at The Walt Disney World Campground, Fort Wilderness, in an old burgundy Chevrolet van. We traveled all 16 or 17 hours in the back of a van with all the rear seats removed and replaced with a large bed mattress. To set up “camp” my dad installed a window air conditioning unit into the front van window. He had built a foldable contraption that attached to the van and supported the weight of the window unit expanding to the ground. We were cool as cucumbers in the muggy Florida heat. Nearby campers visited to see how he had fashioned such a genius device. I remember people telling him he needed to patent the idea.
Taking Stock of Your Life
I encourage you to take stock of the knowledge and materials available in your life. What is the rocket you are struggling to “build.” You may need to use a different material. You may need someone older or wiser to give you a few suggestions. My hope is that in some small way I can help hand you a chip can to make your rocket with. You don’t have to have a rocket to make a rocket. You need the materials and the knowledge. You may not have an airconditioned room in the fanciest resort, but I have no doubt you can rig an air conditioner to whatever situation you do have.
I believe in you. I am excited to be with you as we create the lives we want by using the things we have. Let’s be thankful for what we have instead of dwelling on what we lack. Be sure to bookmark this blog and visit back with me often for more inspiration. Also, be my guest at the Sawdust and Cornbread YouTube Channel for weekly DIY videos. Until next time, keep in mind the problem is not the problem, the problem is (our) attitude about the problem. Savvy?
Lora Lea
