Come on Old Man lets go for a Run!

This afternoon I had a run on the beach with my son in preparation for bush camp next year where he needs to be able to run 4,2 km in 18 minutes to qualify for the record of "achieved" on his report card.  During the run we went out at a slow pace getting into a rhythm and adapting to the soft sand and breaking waves.  This is much like the early days of working, when one adapts to office life, work colleagues and pecking orders.  We stumble a bit and we are uncertain of our footing, as we integrate into society and the job which we have been assigned and trained for. As the run continued, we could increase the pace and take a few more risks, because we knew what the terrain was like and we had more head knowledge, as to what to expect as the journey continued.  There were some bluebottles and debris along the way to throw curve balls at us, but because we were fresh in the legs we could adjust to the impediments and avoid them them or even confront them full on. Life turns exciting when we realize that we have trained for this and we are becoming more capable and secure in our abilities.  We almost start to think that we are untouchable and we can do this run of life "in our sleep".  But then we reach the turning point and as we turned around and headed back to base I was struck with the realization that the footsteps and marks we had left on the first half of the run are actually gone and erased by the sea and we suddenly have no direct reference any longer.  This is the maturing phase of life when you must consolidate all the skill, passion and knowledge into the second half of the journey of life and head forward to make a significant difference to your future and those that you are blessed to be working and living with and are nurturing.  On my run I briefly felt the surge of excitement that although I did not have the footprints to guide me, I had been along the path before and I pulled away from my son a bit, thinking that I had the advantage over him.  I thought I would have to kick on by myself and leave the little bugger behind, but the most excitement came, when I realized that he was actually trailing me and taking in my footsteps and waiting his time.  In hindsight I think we give too little credit to the mentors and teachers we have in life and it takes real maturity to identify what they can teach us and how much value they add to our lives.  The young man was waiting and biding his time and when the time came, he eased up to my side and finished the stronger although he complained more and quickly said he would not like to do it again.  Our youth still needs guidance and counsel and hopefully I can be a man of encouragement and example like the more experienced men who I have the privilege of knowing and who continue to guide my steps - so well done old men and I look forward to my turn.