My theme for this blog refers to the business of mortality. The business of living and learning. This latest episode has been pretty intense in that regard.
A little over a month ago, I hired on as Wilderness Staff for an outfit called Mountain Homes Youth Ranch / Ashley Valley Wilderness. When I went to my doctor for a physical he said he thought I'd come to the wrong doctor, suggesting I needed to have me head examined. Indeed, I probably should. What business does an old geezer like me have camping eight days at a time in the snow, mud, rain, wind of the Book Cliffs, with a bunch of troubled kids.
I guess I didn't feel like reporting on the new adventure until I had some experience with it. I needed to see if I would enjoy the experience and actually invest myself in the process. I do and I have. I have stumbled onto a rare and unexpected opportunity. This company is amazing in it's preparation to make a difference in the lives of children with behavior problems. Couple that with the miracle of the mountain and you have a formula for success. This is a good time in my life to be envolved in making a difference.
It turns out that I actually have something to offer. Students and Staff alike express appreciation for the calming effect an older participant can bring to the program. Clearly, I lack the vigor and energy of the younger staff, but I don't lack experience and a settled, comfortable relationship with the principles and processes of joyful living. I think my greatest asset is patience. It takes time to make the changes we hope to help these youth experience and I am content to let the process do it's magic. Seeing those changes transpire is it's own reward.
I never dreamed my life would lead me to such an occupation. I never imagined that I would be suited for such a thing. The other night though, laying in my bag after a challenging day, I couldn't help but rejoice at the long, protracted set of experiences, trials, talents, blessings, set backs, afflictions and serendipitous circumstances that had brought me to that glorious moment of joy. There I was in a tent in the middle of nowhere with a bedraggled bunch of strangers for whom my heart was absolutely bursting with love, and hopes, and dreams. I had just serenaded them to sleep with my native american flute and was in no rush to sleep myself. I just wanted to bask in the glow of a culminating moment that seemed to have been forseen by a loving God who had somehow brought me here. I unexpectedly felt a sense of mission and purpose and realized that the mountain holds magic for me as well.
I work eight days on and six days off. I expect you'll hear from me every other week. Perhaps with more stories and observations. The wilderness camp is a microcosm of life. There on the mountain we are all on an excellerated course of living and learning. Life is challenging there, but it is also simpler, with far fewer distractions. I like that.....
1 comment:
Thank you, Myke, for sharing your new work "world. . ." You will certainly be a blessing to the young people and staff with whom you work.
It's interesting that life continues to pose curves and unexpected roads to travel, as we continue moving on. Hopefully Sweetie and your family are adapting positively as well. I'm missing your "Book of Mormon Today" blog. . . Can you send out email notes to your readers to alert them, when you do post new entries there? Gracias, Hermano!
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