When opportunity knocks, answer

With the addition of a new business interest, my wife and I have been discussing some ways we can make the transition smoother for our staff. One option we talked about was purchasing a small cart to help our workers move items between different business locations. In her typical manner, my wife jumped right in and began researching different options. Before I knew it, she came to me with seemingly the opportunity of a lifetime, positioned only a mere four hour drive from home.

Showing me pictures of an older model golf cart, my wife began describing the specifications of to the cart as well as the potential benefits for not only our staff but also for us as a family. Trying my best to contain my excitement, because what man doesn’t like a new mobile toy affixed with all the bells and whistles, I listened intently, ensuring she recognized that I was genuinely considering all the pros and cons of the purchase. Unbeknownst to her, I had already began fantasizing about how I could engage my inner race car driver as I played on the new toy. When the timing was opportune, I agreed and asked her to reach out to the seller and see if we could strike a deal.

The conversation which ensued, and my wife’s uncanny way of closing the sale, left the seller excited about adding to our family’s memory tree by assuring that we alone were the perfect fit for her aging golf cart. With all of the particulars surrounding the purchase behind us, sister-in-law Leona and daughter Lilli traveled with other family members to get it.

Following some minor repairs, Leona told me that she would be the first driver and considering that she made the day long journey to retrieve it, I was pretty sure I needed to simply agree and bite the bullet. Upon arriving at the motel with the cart the girls were summonsed to come outside and see what mom and dad had.

Allowing each of the girls to experience their first act as a driver on a motorized vehicle was classic to say the least. As expected, Lilli cautiously moved forward, slowly, with the utmost care. Riyann on the other hand, displayed a huge grin when she sat in the driver’s seat, then took off like Kyle Petty, destined to win not only the cup but the cup at his final race. Finally, good ol’ dad had the opportunity to take the driver’s seat. With all the “take it slow” and “be careful not to flip it” advice out of the way, I had an obligation as my family’s patriarch to see just what this little cart had left in it. As we rapidly moved around the pool area, I could hear the fear blanketed in laughter in the voices of my kids, while my lovely wife simply repeated “Daddy isn’t following his rules of going slow huh?”

In the end, we survived, the little cart passed the test, and now daily the girls head out to fine tune the art of driving while having a little fun along the way. Although simplistic in nature, the addition of this little, aged cart has broadened the girls experience and enjoyment. Not unlike life, we are confronted at times with the need to change things to make everything run smoother. Like our little golf cart, those changes do not always have to be undesirable and hard. Grab on to the opportunities my friends, for it is those opportunities which can ultimately positively affect our outcomes if we allow them to.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from eight to 29.