Monday, February 2, 2009

Uma Segunda Chance

Uma segunda chance, means a second chance.

I was recently touched by a quote President Thomas S. Monson made in a CES Fireside. He said, most things in life require a second effort. As I sat in bed tonight, I felt like I needed to give a second effort in answering two questions I received in a job interview today. So I decided to blog about them.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A bold question--one must first analyze, where was I 5 years ago? BYU. I was a frustrated sophomore trying to decide what I should major in, and what the purpose of my life was. I had no idea at that point I would soon be working in New Mexico, as a wrangler at Philmont Scout Ranch. Neither had it touched my mind that in a short year I would move to another country, learn a different language and completely change my diet from meat and potatoes to beans and rice--enough said.

So the question remains, where will I be in the next 5 years? It almost remains uncertain, but there are some principles that shall remain true--I guarantee that in 5 years I will still be firm in my faith, happy with my family relations and striving to make a difference in the lives of those around me. No matter how much time shall pass, be it 5 or 50 years, these parts of me shall remain true.

Second question that I have thought a lot about: What do you think about when you have nothing else to think about?

I loved this question, how appropriate, but I have to admit it caught me a little off guard. Yet, as I thought about it driving home I noted my thoughts. Generally when I have nothing else to think about, I start dreaming about how to make the world a better place. How can I help agriculture progress? How can I persuade the person in downtown Salt Lake to buy their vegetables at the local farmers market? How can I convince the people around me and ultimately my nation that debt never was a good idea? How can I be an influence for good?

Problems exist worldwide. Complaints exist worldwide. Yet, how often do we try to become part of that solution? I dream about solving problems. I try to make agriculture more sustainable, economical and appealing. I rally groups together, express opinion and write until my writer cramp becomes a permanent dent in my fingers. Truthfully, I love becoming part of the solution.

So fellow bloggers, I challenge you to think about these same questions and blog about them:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What do you think about when you have nothing else to think about?