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                          Where Did You Come From

By By Jake Nawrocki, Rockitop Auto Salvage

No, I don’t mean that literally. I don’t care if you come from Tony, Chicago, Newark, or even Sweden. No, I’m interested in what got you to this point in your life. In the past, we have talked about what brought you to your occupation, but I am talking about what drives you; what makes you - you? Why do you like the food you do? Why is your hobby lawn sculpture, coin collecting or making dioramas out of macaroni noodles and dried peas? Whatever it is, why that? Related to that, why do you have the friends you do?

We all have different backgrounds and upbringings. Most of us, I would think, are most influenced by whoever raised us, whether that was a parent, grandparent, or what have you. For me, the greatest influence came from my parents, grandparents, and church group. From my parents came a strong sense of independence, and an even stronger faith. From mom, I learned to not care what others think so much, and to be myself. She taught me that reading was the key- ”If you can read, you can go anywhere or do anything,” she always said. From my dad, I learned perseverance. There are times that I look at how he kept going through disappointments and setbacks, and I’m not sure if I could do that. From my Grandparents, the idea was planted, and watered, and watered some more about looking to the future and always preparing for what may come. I like to think that even though I wasn’t raised during the Great Depression, through them I still have learned some of the important lessons that the greatest generation learned the hard way.

Along the way there have been countless others. For one, a man named Cecil that wired our house when I was a kid. I don’t remember him getting irritated when an obnoxious little kid followed him around asking questions. No, he gave me little jobs to help, and along the way I learned the basics of being an electrician (a skill I now use often). From a man named Willie, who took the time to help a kid get a rusted pedal removed from a rusty bike. From that I learned about heat, patience, and left handed threads (skills I now use often). From a man named Dave, who showed me how to drive a stick shift tractor even though I could hardly reach the pedals. He showed me how to unjam the transmission after you accidentally put it into 1st and 3rd gear at the same time (a skill I now use often). A youth leader named Larry, who looking back must have had the most patience I can recall seeing in anyone. He gave so much of his time. Another leader named Alvin, who taught me through his actions about giving. A more sincere and generous person I have not met. I find myself working with youth a bit, and the example I’ve received from these two men and quite a few other people, I find to be invaluable.

A man named Joe, who hired me to work on his farm. He didn’t often do things the easy way, or even the best way, but he did it how he thought best. He was a natural engineer. Though most people today would say he was poorly educated, he was one of the most intelligent people I have ever known. That guy worked harder than most (a skill I now use...well, I’m still learning that one). From a man named Pete, I learned the basics of working on cars. He taught me the proper procedure for diagnosing problems. His philosophy was start with the simplest possibility (because that’s usually it) and work your way through the scenarios till you find the problem. (Yeah, I still use that).

A man named Dennis, who took my love for airplanes and exposed me to a whole new world of possibilities in that area (even that has been put to some use). And so many others too!

There are so many different influences that have played a part in shaping who you have become/are becoming. When I was a kid in Sunday School, we learned a song that goes, “He’s still workin on me, to make me what I ought to be...” That song, if you know it, reminds us that we are not done growing, no matter where you are in life. You and I are still growing as people; however, I feel it is good to look back at where you’ve come from and who has been a part of getting you there. It’s also a great time to make changes. If you are looking at yourself and saying,” Man, I’m about perfect,” now would be a great time to be honest with yourself and start acting like a real person. If you look at yourself as a total failure and feel like giving up, stop it. Everyone has those moments of self-pity, and if we dwell on them, they become habits. Talk to a friend or counselor about it if you feel despair. If there is no one to talk to contact me. I’m no counselor, but I know Someone who is the Great Counselor and would love to talk with you.

While you take stock of yourself, take the time to thank those who have played a key roll; that will be the most rewarding thing you do all day. Please share with us about those who have influenced you, I would love to hear about them. I hope you have a great day and a great 2017!

- Jake

 


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