THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 THE THIRD MOUNTAIN POST (TALKING ABOUT THE SECOND MOUNTAIN!!!)

 THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 THE THIRD MOUNTAIN POST (TALKING ABOUT THE SECOND MOUNTAIN!!!)

My analysis today is from David Brooks's book “The Second Mountain”.  To Brooks, the first mountain is our career.  The second mountain is after your career - love, giving, service.

“To understand the first mountain that people climb on their journey toward a life of fulfillment, we should begin by mapping out the societal landscape from which the mountain emerges. The nature of this landscape can be summed up in a single word: individualism.

“As its name suggests, this is a belief system that champions individuality. It’s the dominant ethos of the United States, which can therefore be called an individualistic society.”

*****

Ah, yes.  American’s are “rugged individualists”.  I climbed this mountain, slipped a few times, got up and dusted myself off, and continued.  I was fulfilled and I was an individual.  Maybe one of the biggest traits of this for me was my ego.  “I DID THIS”.

A summary of the book shares these ideas:

"The Big Takeaways:

1. Too much individualism cripples our social network.

1. If Individualism thrives from the desire for fewer restrictions and commitments.

2. Without social networks, there will be widespread problems in society.

1. Without a sense of community, Americans feel left out and don’t have a sense of grounding.

3. Eventually, they strive toward material wealth plateaus.

1. We try to obtain material things because we miss opportunities to form meaningful relationships, leaving us with a sense of emptiness.

4. Success and happiness are selfish, and we should live a life of joyfulness instead.

1. Happiness comes and goes, but joy is permanent.

5. Live a life of servitude by practicing a religion of your choice.

1. Religion provides opportunities to bring people together."

*****

From my earliest memories, I remember my parents serving.  Frequently it was in church.  At some point, both of them taught Sunday School, both attended every Sunday.  Service was important.

My father was in a service club - the Optimist Club. They had a creed:

“The Optimist Creed. Promise Yourself. 

.To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. 

.To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. 

.To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

.To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

.To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

.To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

.To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

.To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

.To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

*****

Reading that creed again after many years, I am still impressed.  

It was instilled in me at an early age to serve. It really didn’t manifest itself until college where I was in my groups - volunteering, serving, helping.  Then as a resident assistant (RA) where I helped the students on my floor.  Then finally as a residence hall director.   I gave more than I received and I was blessed for it.

Starting at Dakota State, I gave leadership to the new Information Systems Programs.  It wasn’t an 8 to 5 job, it was a vocation, it was life.  Going on, I have served in a variety of positions for a variety of groups.  Maybe not quite as visible these days, but I consider my writing as service.  I do drive seniors, I do counsel and help friends.  

The premise of the Second Mountain book is that the First Mountain is our career.  We work hard for our employers, but that is an individual effort; the Second Mountain is working for humanity in some form.  (I know many of you already do so).  

Looking at some of Brook’s ideas.  Happiness comes and goes, but joy is permanent.

Ahh, the difference between happiness and that deep internal joy.  Do you find permanent joy?

And “We try to obtain material things because we miss opportunities to form meaningful relationships, leaving us with a sense of emptiness.”  Do you have meaningful relationships?  

And, guess what, you will be repaid:

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

But, Matthew 6:3 “But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

LOVE WINS - implies giving, loving, serving!!!  

HUGS!!!

Karen