A few weeks ago, there was a knock at our front door. Standing there was an older gentleman, who right away announced, “I am not selling anything, running for any political office, or anything of the sort.” This had my attention. He said he needed just twenty minutes.
We invited this man, who introduced himself as “Mel” into our home and he began to tell us a story about the incredible history of South Dakota, and of the people who settled here, and some of their awesome inventions.
My wife and I were mildly intrigued and even amused with all Mel’s stories, so we politely heard him out as he enthusiastically told us of how he has been going from town to town, all across the state, to share his vision for building a Living History Museum in Ft. Pierre. The thing that most caught my attention was Mel’s passion for his dream. In fact, this man’s vision has inspired me now for several weeks. I admire the gentleman for the risk he is taking and the energy he is expending, all for a cause that he, himself, may never live to see become a reality. I caught his spirit of enthusiasm, and by the time he was done an hour later, I was volunteering my support.
I share this story for a couple of reasons–first, I tend to agree that Mel’s vision, if carried out, would have a huge economic impact on our state. Secondly, I find myself hoping and praying that when I am Mel’s age I will have as strong a passion for something as he has. The fact that Mel has such vision at his age is truly amazing to me!
No matter what our age, we all need a vision–something we can really get excited about working for–that will propel us forward. We need a vision for our family, our community, our state, our nation. After all, (not to sound “preachy” here) the Bible does say. “Without a vision the people will perish!” (Proverbs 29:18)
