My family recently enjoyed an exhilarating Spring Break camping trip. In addition to healthy outdoor activities and togetherness, I realized that we were experiencing several metaphors for the current economic and social climate in America.
Fire
I am admittedly arrogant about my ability to build a fire without external propellants (including paper). However, the campground did not allow gathering firewood of any kind. They sold large split logs and kitchen matches – nothing in between. I foolishly tried to use my usual methods to start the fire, and I was not successful.
Building anything useful requires skill, planning, and continuous adjustments based on current circumstances.
I found myself frantically shoving paper under the logs, trying desperately to ignite some small segment of wood. Eventually, after wastefully flinging pages and pages into the simmering pit, I achieved success.
Throwing money at a problem might eventually take effect, but a lot of cash will be burned in the process.
By then, my wife had decided to cook our sausages on the camp stove instead of roasting them on the fire.
Successful people act on their own initiative rather than waiting for someone else’s promises to be fulfilled.
Fishing
We spent hours trying to catch any variety of fish using various lures and live bait. Nothing worked. We heard from other campers who said that they also had no success.
Effort is necessary for success, but effort by itself is no guarantee of success.
There are times when I have returned home empty-handed after fishing near others who have been wildly successful.
Equal opportunity is a basic human right. Equal results are not. Results are based on factors that include skill, knowledge, tenacity, sacrifice – and often a bit of luck.
Boating
Having paddled with my oldest son in a 2-person kayak to join the others at the swimming hole, I planned to paddle back to the rental location alone. My youngest decided he wanted a ride across this narrow cove in the lake. I told him that I would tow him across if he grabbed the strap on the stern of the boat. Instead, he clung to the stern itself. This action disturbed the tenuous equilibrium of the narrow vessel, and the boat very nearly capsized entirely.
When people take more than what is offered to them, they risk drowning the rescuer along with themselves.
Summary
We are accountable for our own actions, regardless of how we are acted upon by others. We must always promote responsible behavior by demonstrating it ourselves with grace, dignity, and clarity.