When I was a child my father would take me ice fishing with him and his buddies. I remember very clearly first time he took me out on ice. I was so excited to be included in his fishing trip that I couldn’t sleep entire night prior.So at 4:00am when my father came into room to wake me, he was a little surprised to find me wide eyed and full of energy. When we got out onto frozen lake I remember hearing ice creak beneath wheels of truck as we slowly approached small wooden shack that would house us from elements for remainder of day.
I remember being concerned as first ‘POP!’ resounded from crystal floor below. But then, I took one look at my father and all of my fears where dispelled. I knew that with my father at my side I was safe from harm.
Once inside ice cabin we lit small heater in corner and my father went over some of safety rules with me. After initial talk on safety, wooden plank which covered 4 foot long by 2 foot wide hole in ice was removed. One look into murky darkness below and I became poster boy for ice fishing safety.
My father went over basics with me and then showed me how to properly drop line and how to watch it for a bite from fish.
As he instructed me, I absorbed every bit of information he shared, and followed his lessons to tee. I never questioned him, or desired anything else but to make him proud of me, and have fun. Over course of that day I caught half a gallon of trout, and had time of my life.
I often think back on this story when I am in a position to lead men. My father commanded not only my loyalty, but my respect, my devotion, and I surrendered to his command on blind faith.