Reply #14: Balance. That's the key. [View All]

[silverweb]

Before I end this extended break and get back to work, I'll tell a little personal story.

When my son was in high school, he decided he wanted to go to a military academy. (This was back during the reign of George I.) He was a good student but not a great one, and he played sports well but wasn't a star. I was really worried that he wouldn't make it and would be crushed.

To try to help him, I prodded a bit about striving for better grades or taking more advanced classes to improve his qualifications. One night he told me, "Mom, I'm not going to drive myself insane to make straight A's. That's not going to make me a better person or any smarter. I need down time and I need to keep myself balanced. If I'm supposed to get into an academy, I'll get in."

He was 15 when he said that to me. I was in wonder at the wisdom he showed.

Epilogue: He was accepted, attended, graduated, and served for more than the required 5 years afterwards. Now he's working on an advanced academic degree and still shows the same kind of wisdom, insight, and personal balance that he astonished me with as a youngster.

It's all about setting your personal priorities and keeping your balance.