It was exactly how you do not want to end your day. We live on a small lake and thus encounter the wild life that comes with that scenario. As I pulled down our drive, I met my wife who was walking our small dog. She paused by our retaining wall as I was slowly passing by. That's when I saw it. Something long (about 5 feet), round and black came off of the wall toward my wife. Realizing that a snake was wrapped around her arm she bravely threw it off and calmly explained to me that I needed to take care of this issue (I have taken editorial privilege here because my wife reads my LLM articles! 😳😳). One thing was certain; my priorities for the evening suddenly were changed. With the help of my neighbor, "the Snake Hunter", we tracked down the snake and solved my wife's problem.
We always hear that you can learn something from any circumstance so here are my take-a-ways from my evening with the snake:
- Never underestimate the power and influence of a woman who hates snakes when one wraps around her arm.
- Never underestimate the importance of having access to effective resources (aka "the Snake Hunter") - picture me trying unsuccessfully to chase this snake with an old wooden shovel.
- Never underestimate the peace that arrives when it is announced to your wife that the snake is no longer a threat.
I apologize to all the snake lovers who are reading this, however this snake made a bad choice that unfortunately led to his demise.
In a world of corporate and business leadership dilemmas, this adventure reminded me that we can't predict or control what we will face at any moment. It also reminded me that my priorities can change in an instance… and so can yours. Choose to remember that life is full of surprises, good and bad, and you will make a difference.
- Larry
