My Dad gave me a great gift. He taught me to be an expert driver. My Dad retired from the Marine Corps. He was a pilot and in his words his primary mission was, "...flying the drunk Generals around..." He had an excellent service record and I possess his log books. He communicated to me my driving degree in no uncertain terms. I learned to drive as if piloting a transport plane. When he communicated lessons I was expected to absorb, retain and apply his lessons, or suffer the consequences.
I recently helped my son Sam get his drivers license and my technique is more compassionate, though no less thorough. He doesn't have his own vehicle yet, so he is still in my province while he drives my truck. Therefore, the driving lessons continue until he is fully emancipated. Yesterday we had opportunity to review navigation. He drove as we went out to run some errands. Before we ever left on our expedition I had the trip in mind. If I didn't find the object of my search at the first destination, we would proceed to our secondary destination in a logical, gas saving, manner. If the secondary destination came up empty we would proceed to the third destination. In my mind I plotted a course, from point "A", to point "B", to point "C". I created this route in my mind using my imagination. From this equation I could give fair estimates of traffic volume, time, mileage and fuel requirements. Because of my father’s training I was able to create this calculation in moments. Then my imagination presented my mind with a clear picture of our expedition. Incidentally, this picture could readily be modified to accept changes in the plan like one can cut and paste on a computer.
The first store didn't have what I was seeking so we proceeded to the next stop. Sam is a good driver but he still has a way to go to be proficient. Questioning Sam, I was assured he did not have his way firmly in mind. I must admit I was testing him. I only told him the names of the stores I wanted to visit and I watched as he struggled with navigation. My desire is to know he can navigate life with confidence. As we drove we talked about when he was a toddler and how as a toddler he did not have the ability to order a hamburger and fries at the fast food outlet. The faculty of imagination is generally not developed sufficiently in toddlers for them to do such a task. I think that if I walk into a familiar fast food establishment I should already have a fair idea of what I want. I am critical of grown- ups who stand in a line with a menu board in front of them and have no idea what they want when it is their turn to order. I lose patience. Use your imagination, people! Geeze!
So navigating traffic from point "A" to point "B", the imagination is utilized to create a route. This is not hard to do. In the matter of navigation while driving one is forced to use the imagination to get where one desires to go. You needn't bother yourself with baseless fears of trouble along the way. Simply fix the destination and course in the imagination, make sure you have everything you need, and then off you go. You cross those bridges when you come to them. The imagination is there to be used to make life better. The imagination is like a muscle which works better the more it is used. How could you get in a car and go anywhere without the imagination?
The imagination is applied to every achievement. If I desire so and so, then begin to draw up plans to accomplish so and so, like a puzzle, pieces crop up that don't fit, or pieces are missing. The imagination further informs of ways and means to make a fit or to create the missing pieces. Sitting where you are right now, you can imagine a specific door far away you wish to open; a specific threshold you wish to cross. Maybe a restaurant where you and yours enjoyed a memorable meal on vacation. You know you can do this. You must use your imagination to do so. Am I right? The great secret of life that thoughts become things is this use of the imagination to create in your mind a desired objective.
I have completed the first set of drawings for the restoration of the porch on our house. By doing so I am confronted with the knowledge that the project isn’t as I first imagined. This doesn’t mean it is any more difficult or impossible. I do realize I will need some expert help. I can’t just tear out the old porch and pour in some new concrete and think that all will be well. Matter of fact my imagination informs me that this is the cause of the failure of the porch deck. The Concrete caps of the porch wall will also be demolished and replaced in form similar to the caps on the columns.
Positive belief and a thrill of expectation rises as the imagination yields knowledge and understanding. The book of Proverbs says that when understanding enters into your heart it is sweeter than honey. And, that wisdom is more desirable than the choicest gold. At the moment, everything on the porch looks the same, but in my mind this project is alive and real. This transformation is taking place in my mind with the aid of the imagination. I see the workmen out there in Carhart coveralls and dirty work boots busting out the old porch. I see them with the excavation equipment digging out the old fill. I see the bricks which have been removed cleaned and neatly stacked in preparation of the new construction. I see capable men who consult the plans and build with the mastery of their trades. I see the front porch restored to endure beyond our lives. I see the property value rising proportionately. I see us enjoying life with gladness of heart on our porch with family and friends. Restoration!