It was a winter night in Minnesota. My older brothers organized a “party” at a nearby lake with 10 of their friends. As we approached, I could see the party was already under way. There were six cars parked in a circle around a blazing bond fire.
As the party developed, and the alcohol kicked in, Mike decided to have fun with the gasoline used to start the fire. He was making a trail of fire leading from the bond fire to a larger pool of gas. It was great fun, until the gas reached the bond fire.
In a flash, fire traveled from the bond fire, across Mike’s trench of gasoline, right to the gas can. Flames were shooting out the spout. In a panic, Mike set down the can and ran away, leaving behind a ticking time bomb.
It was possible the gas would explode, yet we all stood there watching the flames shoot from the spout, doing nothing. What I didn’t tell you, is this took place on the ice, in the middle of the lake. “If the gas can explodes, we’re going to the bottom of the lake; cars and all.” Even though the cost of doing nothing might mean death, we stood there frozen in fear.
Is there a time bomb situation in your life? Are you watching it, hoping it will work itself out? Inside you know the risk of doing nothing is greater than the risk of taking action, yet you’re waiting to see if you fall through the ice.
My brother Brian, ran toward the flaming can, picked it up and did an Olympic hammer throw; spinning 360 degrees, he threw it as far as he could. When it hit the ice some thirty yards away, the can tipped over and the fire went out. If not for his action, I might not be telling this story.
Are you facing a situation that may bring harm to your family? Don’t stand there waiting for it to explode. Do something. Do anything. Take action.
Teddy Roosevelt said, “At times of great decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing is the wrong thing; and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” Don’t do “nothing”. Take action. Lead the way.
I’ve since lost track of Mike. I’ve always assumed he’s in jail somewhere for arson. Mike, wherever you are, thanks for giving me a great life lesson.
