Especially at this time of year I am reminded of all those that have taught me the "tricks of the trade" at the job site and in the wood shop. My father used to tell me that working with wood is in my blood. I didn’t really understand what he was trying to teach me until I began learning about my family history.
Talent and skills have been in my family line for hundreds of years, even going back to the pioneers coming across the plains. In a museum at the University of Utah you can see an exhibit with my great, great grandfather Fredrick Kessler. Under the direction of Brigham Young, Fredrick would build water and flour mills along the pioneer trail to help facilitate such a large migration of people.
So many of the phrase’s dad used to say as we worked together are things that I continue to repeat today. It’s fun to teach the next generation. Here are a couple of them to think about:
1- “Scott if you don’t have time to do it right the first time, when will you have time to do it right the second time?” Dad was trying to teach me the importance of the quality of my work and to slow down and enjoy the process.
2- “Scott, if we can put a man on the moon, we can do anything.” Then he joked that I should remember we don’t have the budget of NASA... Dad was bringing out my confidence and helping me to train my mind to think through and solve problems.
I give thanks for a family legacy that has brought so much joy to my life. Now this joy of work is extending to new generations as I now able to teach my children and grandchildren lessons from and in the wood shop.
The lessons of life that I have learned in the wood shop have helped me understand the life and teachings of “The True Master and Carpenter.” #givethanks. I am truly blessed.
Joseph Liston Stanley (My Father)
Carl Leroy Stanley (My Grandfather)
Frederick Kessler (My Great, Great Grandfather)