Truck Talk Thursday

As men, we need to work to establish what I call a "Long Road Culture". This starts in our personal lives but extends to our families as well. We want to raise children that value the things 1,5,10 years from now...not just the immediate.

We invest in the things we believe in. There is a parable in Scripture that calls this out: "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." - Matthew 13:44 Once the man set eyes on that treasure, he knew what he needed to do. Now, this is a bit of an extreme example, but the Kingdom of Heaven is kind of extreme. For most of us, we just need to recognize the value in ourselves and start making investments there.

I was honored to speak to Marcus Luttrell a while back. He's an American hero, a man's man. So it surprised me when he used the phrase "A happy wife, happy life." We've all probably heard this at some point and have likely used it. But, is it true? Should it be? What did Marcus mean by it? What kind of impact can this common phrase have on men as leaders of our families?

Barefoot running is where it's at! Dew on your feed, mud between your toes, acorns jammed into your sole. Ok, not that last part. But, it is a more comfortable and rewarding way to get your run in. Here is a podcast episode all about it.

I'm prideful. Probably not as prideful as you, because thankfully I'm humble as well 😉. But in all seriousness, I like doing things alone. Getting after it, making it happen, and seeing the work that my hands have done and feeling pride. That's not all bad, but in my younger days I really thought I could do something different. We all know there is nothing new under the sun, but I liked to think I was smarter or better for "figuring it out on my own". In truth, I've learned more, and more quickly, following in the footsteps of others.

One of the most discouraging aspects of running online businesses is that I'm always comparing my progress to that of others. But, if the time on the trail has taught me one thing, it's that the view is still magnificent, even if you're not the first to see it.

I thought I'd share some thoughts with you from the trail. As mentioned in a previous episode, I've gone on a bit of adventure to scatter my dad's ashes. It's been a moving experience and has brought some healing. As always, being out in nature allows the mind to roam, the spirit to open, and clarity to come into the space too often preoccupied by the noise of urbanism.

Most men have a father wound to overcome and heal. Sometimes this requires a journey. In any case, it's important to our growth as men and to be able to love ourselves and our families with our full heart.

What are we to think of America in 2019? On the one hand, businesses are booming, we're not engaged in a major conflict, technology is incredible, racism and bigotry are on the decline...there are a lot of good things happening. But, everyone can feel something is off. In this episode I talk about what I think that is and how we should handle it, as men.

There is a fine line fathers are trying to walk with their boys. No longer is "guy talk" acceptable when it objectifies women. Yet, dads still want to help their sons acknowledged beauty in a respectful way. If, on the one hand, we treat sexuality and physical attractiveness as a taboo subject, we do harm to our sons and daughters. However, if we are glib about it, we do harm as well.

Good news for small start ups: Big is out, boutique is in! We've certainly found this to be true for Rustic and Main (my other business) and we're seeing it all over the place with our entrepreneur friends and small businesses we know on social media. What does this mean for you, as a man? If you have the entrepreneurial spirit but are worried about the risk, here is yet another factor in your favor.

I'm surprised by the number of men in our Facebook group that believe in Odinism and other stories from Norse mythology. Several have left Christianity for the same reasons many are leaving: hypocrisy, legalism, division within the church...basically the very reason we need Christianity. In any case, I have a challenge for you: dig in to Christianity rather than giving up on it. And, be honest with yourself about your reasons for walking away.