For your weekend: The Grand Avoidance of Risk

You're going to read this, and certain folks in your life will come to mind. Some who need to hear it. Some who can help you be accountable for taking yoru own risk. Some...who you just need to warn that you...are stepping out. Take a risk. Copy the URL in your address bar, and send it to them.

In spurring people to escape employeedom and pursue working at what they care about, and owning it...I began to realize that the 'Grand Avoidance of Risk' is a primary obstacle.

I've been watching Gary Vaynerchuk for three months or so. He is the 'Wine Library' guy, but his real shtick is that you should be fully engaged in what you are passionate about. That's my main shtick as well, and why I've been following Gary. I just add on that you should own the passion you are engaged in. It doesn't work when you try to do it under someone else's (an employer's) reign. You can check out this video on CNN from Gary yesterday, it's excellent.

He's a great inspiration for self-employment. Then you have other guys like Chris Brogan and Seth Godin espousing principals for business in today's marketplace.

Again, incredible content from really smart and successful guys who really practice what they preach. You should follow them.

So...the inspiration and message is there, and the tools for making it happen are numerous.

Then why aren't people discovering their passions, leaving traditional jobs and starting successful business endeavors in droves?

THE ISSUE
Because our society is hell-bent on avoiding:
1. Risk
2. Discomfort
3. Pain

And those are in order. Discovering and pursuing your passions, aka Your Calling, will include risk.

But really, step back and notice that our entire existence is focused on cushioning ourselves from every possible discomfort.

- Most of our purchases are to make life 'easier' and more 'convenient.'
- We work for more money so we can be worry free regarding our provision.
- We live, drive and work inside secure walls that keep the weather out, the temperature consistent and our amenities close at hand.
- Even when we do venture outside, every year brings us another safety device to keep us from injury and pain.
- Anyone who speaks their opinion or belief gets chastised (try speaking about your faith amongst your business and you can count the minutes till someone criticizes your spiritual status!)

THE IRONY
Then we sit back and watch TV shows and movies and are mesmerized by risk takers. We watch sports and yell and scream for our favorite players to go harder and risk more. We say "Yeah!" to the radio personality who is overtly opinionated and takes a stand.

WHY DO WE SEEK THAT?
Because those folks (or the pretend depictions) get to be heros. Legends. They get the rapture of the "thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat." They get to 'matter.'

WHAT GIVES?
Even as we seek and stay insulated and protected from risk, we subconsciously miss this vital calling of our psyche, humanity and spirituality.

Notice the disconnect?

TRIALS & RISKS
Even if you shelter yourself from risk, it will still find  you from time to time. Maybe you were merely a victim of an illness, an injury, a bad circumstance, a conflict, a dramatic change, an 'act of God'...

And you realize afterward that you gained much from the trial. You grew stronger and wiser. It may even be something that defines who you are from that point on. And when contemplating the benefits received, you joked about whether you should actually seek trials! We laugh and say...of course not.

But...that's the wrong focus.

We are to take risks. That we ARE called to. That's where we are missing it.

For those of you who give credence to the Bible, notice how the folks who make themselves available to the Lord, end up getting asked to do things out of their comfort zone? Jonah? Moses? The disciples? Following Jesus was never a safe thing to do.

IF YOU WANT TO MATTER, YOU CAN'T STAY SAFE
And I don't mean 'matter' in an egotistical sense. I mean mattering to yourself, your spouse, your kids, your friends, your customers...anyone. Humanity. Really. Look around. Those who are the most safe in this world, matter the least to anyone. Cause truly serving anyone, is a risk:
- Open a door for a lady, and a guy can get labeled "sexist"
- Discipline a child and you are "stifling their creativity"
- Address a wrong and you are "intolerant"
- State your beliefs and you're "narrow minded"
- Point out a fault to a friend who is hurting themselves, and you may lose a friend
- Help a homeless person, you could get mugged
- Give your money away, and you'll get taken advantage of
- Saving a drowning child, and you'll get wet. Or worse, you could drown yourself.

SO...TO SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Finding something you can merely do and fulfill, and someone to pay you for it, is considered safe. It's not anymore, as then you are putting all your eggs in one basket that can be taken away without a moment's notice. But it's still what we are expected do do, and respected for doing. It's thought of as 'responsible.'

Discovering what you were created to do and pursuing it is often thought of as irresponsible and folly, maybe even a luxury. Yet foundationally, if you believe you were divinely created, then you must also believe you were created for a specific purpose, THEN...you must agree it's your RESPONSIBILITY to discover and become fully engaged in that purpose. That calling. Your destiny if you will. Anything else would be hiding and selfish.

It's then not a choice, but a requirement.

And it involves risk. And you will endure trial. It will be uncomfortable. You will experience pain. And out of it all, you will grow wiser and stronger and you will matter. You'll matter to us all. But regardless, you just...must.

THE MORAL
To jump off my roof, onto a nearby tree, then shimmy down to the ground, just to impress my friends or give myself a thrill would be a big risk. I'd get hurt. No thanks.

If my kid is on the ground with a bear approaching, the risk and pain is moot. I just have to do the right thing, and nobody would fault me for it. It's not about me.

That paradigm shift is profound. I'll dare say...it's everything.

We don't desire trials in and of themselves. And just being risky for risk's sake alone is unwise.

To reveal and pursue one's calling should be an expectation. The risks, trials, pain, growth, triumphs and successes are then just part of the glorious process.

So. Go forth. With faith and fortitude. Just don't do it alone. Let's get bloody together.

Comments

[Jon Dale]

Great post Kevin.

I'd strongly recommend to your readers Gary Vaynerchuck's new book Crush It! It gives a step by step plan for converting your passion into a career using the new tools of social media.

Keep up the great work!

Jon

[Kathleen Rokavec, MD]

This post is very motivating and convincing...but I am already convinced and well on my way! At this very moment I am in Dallas at a Writers Conference - big paradigm shift for a doctor!
I have 2 friends who have recently lost their jobs and can't seem to get out from under the thumb of the traditional employment model - even though they both have talents and passions that would be ideal for a self-employed model. I am sending them the link...and a prayer that they will consider the risk.

[godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com]

Amen Kevin,

So many of us spend our time trying to find ways to not be "offensive". Well, I'm tired of it. So, I say what I believe. Passion makes enemies, but it also makes friends.

Keep on keepin' on friend,

Tiana

[Deb]

Great post Kevin! Its a timely reminder that the real risk is not following our dreams, passions and purpose.

So tourniquet in place, I'm moving onward and upward into the purpose for which I was uniquely created.

And Jon, I'm ordering Crush It tonight!

[Kevin Miller]

Jon, I have your Kindle and am reading Crush It on it. Yeah, I need all my members to read it. I just realize it will greatly inspire folks, but without someone to come alongside them, few will really make it happen. We need personal guidance and allies in the battle. Which is why we created this Academy. Im so blessed to have you with me as an ally brother.

[Dave Aldrich]

Thanks for this, Kevin. Much confirming of what's already been happening in my heart. I am facing the reality of my own fears and I'd rather not admit them. But the old standard fear of failing which affects my overall confidence, is being unraveled for what it is... a fear based on negative speculation.

A friend shared this with me earlier today as I shared with her my fears and lack of confidence and I think this could speak to many:

"One thought to contemplate - perhaps your focus is in the entirely incorrect place. Perhaps you are focusing on YOU...versus the higher concept of what you are trying to accomplish. For example, is it about YOU...or is it about the art, concept, or service that is being provided?

If you have a product that you believe in....focus on the product versus on YOU.

The focus on self-depricating thought is entirely unproductive and self gratifying.

A goal...is a dream...with a DEADLINE."

More words to ponder and mess with my head this weekend.

Thank you... sincerely.

[Mark]

Very Inspiring Post Kevin. You must be reading the same stuff I am.

Many people in America got used to all the safety and comfort and ended up teaching us how to continue that... they forget, that the blessings of safety and comfort in later life come from faith in God, hard work, risk-taking and even wars to defend our way of life.

I guess we all need to be warriors for what we believe, whether it's the world wars started by communism, fascism, or the war of ideas brought on my post modernism.

Crush It! was an awesome book. I feel like reading it again.

You and Gary have different spins on similar concepts.

Thanks,
Mark

[Yvonne C. Hyde]

Hi Kevin, thanks for this post. It is just what I needed to hear. I have an opportunity to represent a product that I am a big fan of to the local schools. It means I will have to take a day a week off from my "job". Sales are not my passion, but this product is, so I think I might just go for it. Perhaps it will grow to a full time gig or better yet, a part time gig with full time pay.

[Curtis Stewart]

In Jim Collins book Good to Great one of his concepts is getting the right people on the bus and getting those people in the right seat. Forgetting sometimes the wrong people get put on the wrong bus. If we stay on the wrong bus, it makes no difference which seat we are on, we are not going to get to where we need to be, nor enjoy the trip.
We are comfortable having others make decisions for us and it is a lot easier, Getting off that bus and getting on a bicycle that will take us where we want to go has a lot of downsides, We could fall off, someone could hit us, we could have a flat, it could rain and who would take care of us.
And what happens if someone steal out bike or someone does not like the fact you did not take the bus but rode a bike. There is just too much risk.
Not every day can I pursue my passion, but every day I do a little to move me toward that goal. I have been fortunate to do what I love but my life has changed which requires I change from one work to another. But I have a goal and a plan. By this time next year my plan is to have transitioned from one work to another.
Some have asked me why at my age would I go into another line of work when what I do now is lucrative and I have over 20 years in this industry?
I do not tell them the reason as it is none of their business. In my plan, failure is not part of it, so I have not made any contingent for failure.
And failure is real hard to determine. The one business I had that CRASHED and BURNED nearly taking me down with it taught me a lot of things I do not plan on doing again. And I am looking forward to this change. Anticipating it and as I reach milestones in my plan I get more excited.
When I was on the bus, I was nice letting someone else do the driving and the conversation with the other bus passenegers was good. But there was no excitement. As long as we did not do anything to upset the bus driver, we had a seat.
I like bsing on a bike especially when it rains!

[Rona Davis, The Word Warrior]

Kevin,

You knocked this one out of the ballpark!!! This is better than JERRY McGUIRE!!!

So very timely for me. I am such a warrior and my faith is HUGE, really enough to move mountains! But today it has been less than a mustard seed and I must have taken off my armor at lunch and forgotten to put it back on because I have been listening to the enemy whisper lies to me all afternoon as I work harder and get more frustrated and full of fear!! I needed this read!!! I reiterated every reason I am doing what I am doing!!

Sometimes my fear is not even that I may lose some things and feel some pain and discomfort - I'm okay with that, bring it on. I mean, I don't WANT THAT to happen, but if it does it cannot change my mind about following my dream, no my PURPOSE! I am getting more fearful about the ridicule from family when they begin to know our reality, actually not my family as much as my in-laws. My husband doesn't even have the courage to tell them I left my job!!! Anyway, this was the fuel I needed to reaffirm everything. Thank you!

I just love it when you get away from all of us and power write!!!

Write a book dude!!! Write "Free Agent Joyfully Living Underground and I Can Come Out When I Want To!" : D

You know - even in days where my fear tries to creep in, I still get up in the mornings so full of peace and joy and so ready to run into my office and get busy!!! I can never, never, never go back to that feeling of a pit in my stomach from Sunday afternoon until Friday afternoon! I WILL never go back to that!

Your Warrior Woman Free Agent Friend Marching On!
Rona

[Calvin]

Hello Kevin
This made me think of something that happened when I was in my youth.
I was at a friend's house and he had this idea. He wanted to jump off a hay stack into a tank of corn. So he climbs the stack and jumps into the tank. Looked like fun to me so I climbed up the hay stack and took my turn. I landed half in the tank and half out. I still remember that pain. Kinda like falling off the bicycle seat onto the bar only three times as painful.
Anyway, I'm 52 now and I'm just not sure what stacks are left to climb. I sure don't want to climb that one again.

Calvin

[Teri Miller]

From my little daily flip-calendar:

"Progress involves risks. You can't steal second and keep your foot on first." --Frederick Wilcox

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." --Proverbs 29:18

[Mike and Mari Larkin]

Wow Kevin, that is good stuff. Very timely for us this week, as we just left the "comforts" of corporate life last month and have been working very hard on ramping up what we love. Things are harder than we thought, more painful to do, long days and hours, frustrating, and very very scary at times. Somedays we ask ourselves why did we leave such a "great" job? Why are we doing this? Your encouraging words brings us back to reality and helps us focus back on the why. We love doing what we do. Success doesn't come without risk (boy, we sure have done that part), discomfort (it is uncomfortable for us to not know when our next paying client is coming), and pain (that happens daily as we try to stretch our brains and do things we've never done before)...but is it worth it? If we look at all of you who have been here before us, and who HAVE done it...then we'd have to say "absolutely worth it...YES!" It's all part of the process of deepening us and our message that we are passionate about getting out. Thanks again for your encouragement and think of us as we continue to keep the faith, ramp it up, and overcome all obstacles to become the successful "Let's Talk Money" couple!! We can do this...we WILL do this!

Thanks for all you do for us! Keep it up. We need all the encouragement we can get to keep pressing on.

[RJ Dannemiller]

Kevin,

Thanks for getting my attention. I plan to read "Crush It" soon. Gary is the epitome of living with passion; his success is truly inspiring! That being said, you are right about the need for accountability and encouragement. My lack of support from family and friends has caused me to waiver in the pursuit of my self-employment. In reality, at this time I need to work for an employer at least part-time, but I refuse to give up on my dream/passion/calling.

Thanks!

RJ

[Tim]

Kevin, a great piece. We are thinking alike today. Check out my post at http://slownewday.wordpress.com/2009/10/24/sweetness/

[James B. Woosley]

Another great post Kevin! As I look back on my life, I can see the timid child I was being forced to grow and do new things...but that timidity was always there, lurking in the background.

Now I'm reflecting on how successful I've become playing it safe and wondering how much more I could have done if I'd taken more chances.

I need to try more. I need to fail more. And then I will succeed more!

James Woosley
http://www.WoosleyCoaching.com

[Dan Summers]

Another great blog Kevin. I have always wondered why people with a passion would stay chained to a monotonous routine job working for someone else. Of course I was hanging on to a j-o-b while we were building our business too.

There are a few risks involved with being on the wrong bus as a previous writer stated. The first risk is not fulfilling your true calling. For some that true calling may be having a steady paycheck in order to properly raise a family. For others who have been gifted differently it may be to leave that supposed comfort zone of a steady job and to use their gift.

Another risk of staying where you don't belong is your health. I am a perfect example of that. When I first got into manufacturing ten years ago my blood pressure was slightly elevated and I was ten pounds overweight. I left manufacturing about 9 weeks ago with high blood pressure and 35 pounds overweight. Two weeks ago my bp had come down to 137/80. As of October 22 it has returned to normal 120/80. By the end of next week there should be a new page on my website. On this page people will be able to follow and even join me on my weight loss journey.

In short, people tend to look at all the risks of leaving their security blanket but never at the risks of staying where they don't belong.

[Matthew]

Amazing! Truly amazing. I'm here on a Saturday, busting at the seams wanting to "GO! jump! Run! DO! Take a risk take a stand-something! I will be heard, I will matter, I will change the world! Hooya"

[Keith Dugger]

Great stuff, Kevin. You might enjoy this message from a mentoring program that I am involved with:

http://www.box.net/shared/static/fsr6nsjx87.mp3

[Jeremy Jenkins]

Absolutely - you can't go it alone. You need community, friends and peers, and mentors. I've learned that first hand.
Great post Kevin. I ordered my copy of Crush it and am looking forward to a good read!

[Brett & Le' Zette Traudt]

I love reading stuff like this. After long 7 day weeks and still going in my J-O-B... it is refreshing to read from others and see how passionate they are. The video link with Gary is exactly what I needed to hear for the inspiration I need to talk about the camping advocate. Appreciate all you do and will get to reading his book ASAP.

Thanks Kevin

[Gina Rath]

Discovering what you were created to do and pursuing it is often thought of as irresponsible and folly, maybe even a luxury. Yet foundationally, if you believe you were divinely created, then you must also believe you were created for a specific purpose, THEN...you must agree it's your RESPONSIBILITY to discover and become fully engaged in that purpose. That calling. Your destiny if you will. Anything else would be hiding and selfish.

It's then not a choice, but a requirement.

And it involves risk. And you will endure trial. It will be uncomfortable. You will experience pain. And out of it all, you will grow wiser and stronger and you will matter. You'll matter to us all. But regardless, you just...must.

I love this! The paragraphs I copied above actually brought tears to my eyes. Very inspiring blog, thanks Kevin.

[Kevin Miller]

Kathleen,
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. A doctor...looking for
a career move. That speaks to folks, as of course, most would consider being a doctor a career zenith. Great testimony.

[Kevin Miller]

Tiana - Passion makes enemies, but also friends. I love it. And you proved that with your recent blog that garnered you 51 comments and counting, and folks should go read. If not for the content, for the spirit:

How Doing Something Good Can Keep You From Obeying

http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-doing-something-good-can-keep-you.html

[Kevin Miller]

Tourniquet in place, Im moving onward and upward into the purpose for
which I was uniquely created. Youre an amazing lady Deb.

[Kevin Miller]

Dave,
Perhaps you are focusing on YOU...versus the higher concept of what you are trying to accomplish.
Thanks for drawing me to that. Thats the stuff.

[Kevin Miller]

Mark,
Thanks for reading and commenting...good words from you: Tthe blessings of safety and comfort in later life come from faith in
God, hard work, risk-taking and even wars to defend our way of life.
Amen.

[Kevin Miller]

Yvonne - Go girl! And where you are weak, get help. Pierce Marrs is my sales training guru: http://www.piercemarrs.com

[Kevin Miller]

Curtis - thanks so much for sharing. Ill take a bike over a bus any day...

[Kevin Miller]

Rona - Better than Jerry McGuire? I own that movie. Literally. All of
your words...thank you. I sincerely, love your passion. Its
infectious. My book is coming...and I think yours is too. You cant
pick your family, but...you can graft in new family, eh?! Honored to be
marching in your band Rona.

[Kevin Miller]

Calvin - when you are not sure...and even when you think you are...seek counsel

[Kevin Miller]

Thats why youre the stuff my Love, ode to the Jerry McGuire comment

[Kevin Miller]

Mike Mari - thanks for reading and sharing, that personal
testimony will speak to folks. And you are doing the right things in
seeking counsel. I cant emphasize that enough. So glad to be part of
your journey.

[Kevin Miller]

RJ, man, keep hearing from folks about their lack of support from
family. Big issue. Youre here though, with us at FreeAgentAcademy.
Plugging in and communing with the right folks. Cant wait to see you
make it!

[Kevin Miller]

Timothy - just read your blog and commented. Great analogy with that movie. Thanks for being here.

[Kevin Miller]

James - thanks so much for your insight. Brother, you have some
giftings and insights. However you define success, there are folks who
need you in their lives.

[Kevin Miller]

Dan - First, congrats on the escape! Second, this statement from you is
the gold, People tend to look at all the risks of leaving their
security blanket but never at the risks of staying where they dont
belong. You said it. Im using that quote. Thank you.

[Kevin Miller]

Matthew - thank you for that injection...you matter, right now, to me. I just got the benefit of you!

[Kevin Miller]

Keith - I listened to the first part of that audio...it hit me right
off, God is more committed to your success than you are.
Beautiful...thank you.

[Kevin Miller]

Jeremy - yes sir. And extra kudos to you for living it out in the distant land of China. Let me know what you think of the book.

[Kevin Miller]

Brett - you know Im YOUR advocate, for your camping advocacy. We all need to benefit from your passion.

[Kevin Miller]

Thank you so much Gina, just honored to have touched you. And to be with you on the journey of your passions.

[Jay Peroni]

A life with no risk appears on the surface to be the safe thing to do. Yet it is the riskiest thing a person can do. So many "settle" for less than God planned for their lives. Imagine having a present sitting in a box unopened. It is the most beautiful, wonderful gift yet you never unwrap it. This is how many live. God has prepated something special for each and every one of us. He created us for a specific purpose and time such as this yet our lack of action causes us to miss the greatest gifts.

How can God bless steps we never take? How He bless us when we sit in our comfort zone? True faith involves putting it all on the line. Not just a partvof yourself but the whole uniquely gifted person you are.

I recently walked away from 15 years of hard work, sweat, and blood to fully step out in faith. God is preparing big plans for me and I truly see Him moving! Had I stuck out the safe road things may have turned out ok, but I would be missing some of the greatest working He us doing in me and through me.

Don't waste another day. Go after your passion and open up the gifts God has in store for you! Love, live, prosper!

Jay Peroni, CFP
www.jayperoni.com

[RJ Dannemiller]

Kevin,

I appreciate your encouraging words. Yesterday, I submitted a draft of my first book to a colleague and successful published author. She responded back this morning and said that she liked it. She is now my mentor in that regard and plans to connect me with other successful authors in the area to brainstorm with me! Also, image consulting business opportunities have begun to unfold before me, since I dove into to the pursuit of passion "head first"!

Best regards,

RJ

[RJ Dannemiller]

Jay,

I commend you for your decision and I am in agreement with you. It seems that the lack of support from well-intentioned friends and family (as well as our own fears) can hinder our progress toward self-employment. I have chosen to limit my contact with those who fall into that category in favor of those like you (and other FAA members). Beyond that, we need to keep our "eyes on the prize", because it is sooo worth it. Keep on keeping on!

Best regards,

RJ

[RJ Dannemiller]

Gina,

I agree with you. To really matter in this world, we must discover who God created us to be and then have the courage to "be it". Continue to persevere in your pursuit. As God's word says, "All things are possible to those who believe." Believe in yourself; I choose to beieve in me!

Best regards,

RJ

[RJ Dannemiller]

Brett,

I support your endeavor to be a camping advocate. When I have camped in the past, it has been a wonderful experience. I was a camp counselor for two summers (2000 & 2001) and it was life changing. Camping causes us all to literally get back to the important basics in life (i.e. nature, God, fellowship and great food!).

Best regards,

RJ

[RJ Dannemiller]

Matthew,

I encourage you to "GO FOR IT"! It will be worth it when you realize it. We are in a great place (FAA) to obtain the necessary support to get from point A to point B.

Best regards,

RJ

[RJ Dannemiller]

Dan,

I am in agreement with you. When I chose to leave the comfort of my full-time position as an administrator in higher education, my colleagues questioned my judgement. Since then, I am much more at ease (I was often times very tense and stressed) now and notice that I enjoy life more fully! We often times do not realize what a j-o-b can take from us. When we pursue our passion we tend to be energized and enjoy the journey so much more--it truly is worth the risk!

Best regards,

RJ

[RJ Dannemiller]

James,

Your sentiments are consistent with mine. It is only by risking that we can ever gain. Without risk and failure, one cannot succeed. I encourage you to continue moving forward toward your dream. I have chosen to do the same.

Best regards,

RJ

[RJ Dannemiller]

Jon,

Thanks for the recommendation. I placed a reserve on it at my local library; I will probably end up buying a copy later though. Gary truly is an inspiration to us all! I look forward to learning and applying his success principles!

Best regards,

RJ

[Brad Benson]

Kevin,
Thank you so much (and thank the Lord) for the timing of this article! I have been "down" the last couple of days, wondering if my journey to make a living pursuing my calling is worth it. I even posted for a JOB yesterday because I was whimping out. My severance just ran out, and now it is up to God and me. This was just what I needed to keep going, it really brought tears to my eyes. Thanks, and keep up the great work!

[Constance Harris]

Kevin... this is a needed blog. I have been called back to assist in a firm I normally consult to find them legal support staff. I committed to a year so that a very dear friend of mine would not have to endure the hardship of interviewing and training a person for a job to work for someone who is IMPOSSIBILE to please. I have been there since February and was finding myself getting use to the salary. I started allowing people to disrespect me (not that I am all that, but I am [smile]) and treat me like I am going to be there forever. I thank you for the blog and God for keeping me UNCOMFORTABLE in that situtation so that I can again chase my call FULL TIME so that me and my husband can leave an inheritance (not just money, but morals, fortitude, AND PEACE) for our childrens' children.

[Kevin Miller]

Constance, Thanks for keeping me UNCOMFORTABLE. Well, Ill accept that. I sure
know its often discomfort that spurs me on, as well as my dreams.
Thanks.

[Kevin Miller]

Brad - wow, thank you for that testimony. Means a ton to me to know we
were timely and relevant. Im looking at your website, you have a lot
of the right stuff there. So whats not working, just not enough
clients?

[Kevin Miller]

Jay,
Hey, thanks so much. You wrote, How can God bless steps we never
take? That is a quotable quote by Jay Peroni. You should write a
book...

[Brett & Le' Zette Traudt]

Hello RJ,

Thank you so much for your response and I appreciate your comment Camping causes us all to literally get back to the important basics in life (i.e. nature, God, fellowship and great food!).

Brett