David vs. Goliath

I think we all have a tendency to look at something difficult and then walk away from it. It could be a problem that we're directly facing, or it might be something so complex that even if we were to solve our own problem, it would only be a matter of time before it re-emerges. Growing up, we always had someone with more experience to tell us which way to go. But when someone is forced to engage a difficult task and those helpful individuals are not around, the person's character is truly tested. Consider the following stereotypical conversation between an engineer and his manager.

Engineer: There's no way I can finish this in 3 weeks. I need 4.
Manager: If I extend your time-frame now, it would push everything else out.
Engineer: I just don't see how it is possible.
Manager: It's just one week. Have you challenged yourself to get it done in 3 weeks?

At this point, I believe the engineer has two good responses available to him. He either says, "No, I have not" or "I've done the calculations and they clearly indicate a minimum 4 weeks." If the engineer has not challenged himself, this is the time to do so. Otherwise, the manager should recognize the integrity of the engineer's calculations and seek viable alternatives (without firing the engineer).

All in all, I think it takes a person of character to stare a challenge in the face. Just as David slew Goliath, sometimes we have to change something about ourselves in order to achieve something important to us. If we put forth 100% effort and fail, it doesn't mean that we didn't want to succeed. Maybe we just weren't capable of it, but at least we can work on improving our skills and abilities so we'll be better prepared next time. The real tragedy is when we merely stand with our hands on our sides, shake our heads, and walk away, because it reflects how little we valued the goal in the first place.

Yet another Only In Kansas post...

Was on my way to the office this morning, and in the outer left-turn lane next to me was this tractor!



She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy
Recorded by Kenny Chesney


Plowing these fields in the hot summer sun
Over by the gate lordy here she comes
With a basket full of chicken and a big cold jug of sweet tea
I make a little room and she climbs on up
Open up a throttle and stir a little dust
Just look at her face she ain't a foolin me

She thinks my tractor's sexy
It really turns her on
She's always staring at me
While I'm chuggin along
She likes the way it's pullin' while we're tillin' up the land
She's even kind of crazy 'bout my farmer's tan
She's the only one who really understands what gets me
She thinks my tractor's sexy

We ride back and forth until we run out of light
Take it to the barn put it up for the night
Climb up in the loft sit and talk with the radio on
She said she's got a dream and I asked what it is
She wants a little farm and a yard full of kids
And one more teeny weeny ride before I take her home

She thinks my tractor's sexy
It really turns her on
She's always staring at me
While I'm chuggin along
She likes the way it's pullin' while we're tillin' up the land
She's even kind of crazy 'bout my farmer's tan
She's the only one who really understands what gets me
She thinks my tractor's sexy

Well she ain't into cars or pick up trucks
But if it runs like a Deere man her eyes light up

She thinks my tractor....

she thinks my tractor's sexy
it really turns her on
she's always starin' at me
while i'm chuggin' along
she likes the way it's pullin' while we're tillin' up the land
she's even kinda crazy 'bout my farmer's tan
she's the only one who really understands what gets me
she thinks my tractor's sexy

She thinks my tractor's sexy
She thinks my tractor's sexy


Click the Play button below to listen to a MIDI version of "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy"