Daniel Skognes

An ancient Chinese proverb says, “The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.” The problem with the proverb is that many people don’t know which direction to go! That is why we have people graduating from college with degrees that have nothing to do with their gifts or their calling.

I had that dilemma myself when I first started college. I thought I would be interested in being a Dentist. The only problem was that I had no real love for science! LOL. I found out pretty quick that I had to change gears or I was going to be mismatched to my degree.

Business, as it turned out, was a great match for me. I took quickly to the business school courses and excelled (most of the time). I found out I was NOT gifted in accounting though! That was not my thing. My gifting seemed to be geared more towards marketing and sales.

I had been an entrepreneur since 7^th grade. My dad made some business cards for me and a buddy of mine. We started a lawn care business and went to work. That was pretty good money for a kid, but not easy by any means.

When I got into high school, my brother sold me a sno cone business that he had run for a couple of years and done pretty well with. He sold me the route which included a 1948 Willis Jeep that already had a gazillion miles on it, but continued to run every day. Over the next two summers, I did pretty well. The second summer I made enough in 3 months to pay cash for a new car and put $500 in the bank for college. This was back in 1969 and 1970 when the dollar actually had some value. LOL.

I worked from sun up to sun down 5 to 6 days a week. It was a great business and I made a lot of money to help me get what I wanted…a new car! My dad instilled in me the ethic of hard work, being on time, and setting goals. My brother inspired me to compete and excel in my work. He and I have a great relationship…but we are both very competitive and both of us hate to lose.

My point in all of this is that if you are struggling with finding your path, look to how you are naturally gifted. Pray about it and ask God to direct your path. He will if you ask Him and follow Him. Seek counsel from people you truly admire. It is OK to try things along the way to test the waters and see if it is really something you could do for a living.

Later in life I was between jobs and interviewing for a job that would require me to sit at a desk all day and answer the phone. The lady took one look at my resume and did me a huge favor by being honest with me. She said, “You have been in outside sales all your life. This job would drive you nuts!” I was shocked at her brutal honesty, but I really appreciated her saving us both a lot of grief and frustration.

I had multiple careers over my lifetime, but all of my work has been interlocked with my gifting and my calling. In each job I was involved in not just sales and marketing, but also in training and development. I have utilized all of that experience even to this day as I teach kids in grade school.

Because I also have a gift for writing and motivation, I use that as well to help others and inspire people to find their path…beginning early in life. That is why I love teaching kids. They are like little sponges and just need to soak up the right stuff to help them make wise choices and find their way in this maze called life.

For each of us, this is one of the most important things we can do for our own happiness and sanity. Nobody wants to end up late in their career and realize that their pathway lead to a dead end, and yet it happens way to often. Find your calling then take your first step of 1,000 miles in the right direction. The journey is the blessing, not just the endpoint. Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

I admit I have had a thing for Super Heroes ever since I saw the first episode of Superman, staring George Reeves when I was just a little kid. Looking back at those old episodes it was pretty comical. Bullets would bounce off his chest, but he would duck when someone threw the gun at him! LOL. Regardless, I tied a towel around my neck and flew through the house!

Today, Super Heroes look different to me. Now I see that the REAL Super Heroes are masquerading as normal everyday people! They work in all types of jobs from people in healthcare, teachers, policemen, firemen, public servants, people who serve or have served in the military, close friends, family, and even moms and dads. They come in every color and vary greatly in their beliefs.

The common thread I see is that they are willing to do what others are unwilling or even afraid to do. They step up, work the extra hours needed, take the time to listen to others, find solutions where there are none apparent, and they don’t let being defeated destroy them. They are resilient, every hopeful, optimistic about the future, and determined to do the right thing regardless of peer pressure, what other people think, or even public opinion.

These are the true Super Heroes and they do exist in my world. I am proud to have several of them in my life. They have my back and always are there to help me, encourage me, and give me the hope I might need to face the trials of life.

Everybody needs a few Super Heroes in their life in my opinion. I hope that the people I am close to know that I may be old, but I have never taken off my cape. My eyes are not what they used to be, but I do see some things much more clearly now than when I was younger. I see people all around me who are wounded, hurting, or angry.

We all can put on our capes when we see someone in need. It does not have to be costly. Sometimes just giving a word of encouragement or a simple act of kindness is just what that person needs to help them through the day. Ask God to help you see people through HIS eyes. He does not look at skin color or job titles. He looks at the heart. He sees people not just for who they are, but who they can become! He is the ultimate Super Hero, and He loves us in ways that are too wonderful to comprehend. That is our real example. Dust off your cape. You are needed to help change the world. :o) Shalom!

Daniel Skognes