Grisham's Lessons #21 Authority & Experience

In the following account from Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry illustrates the relationship between authority and experience: The Island Gang leaves Raft Island intent on following clues to the location of Crystal Cove gleaned from their time in the burial ground at Dead Man’s Island. Though they have prepared in many ways, it is only the second time that they have taken the boat out on their own, it is dark, and they travel to a location they had never before visited. The outing is a disaster.

On a later occasion, and under nearly identical circumstances (same boat, similar preparation, same information, same course), they once again take their heading into Henderson Bay, but this time they have Mr. Grisham on board. As Mr. Grisham provides a lesson in sailing the kids quickly take note of his experience and fall in line as he takes charge. Having given Mr. Grisham the respect he deserves, they reach their destination successfully. When they run into problems in the cove they learn that Mr. Grisham has with him resources that provide an effective method of addressing the problem.

While the relationship between authority and experience is not an absolute, experience in a given discipline, when properly analyzed and applied, has the probability of making one somewhat of an authority in that discipline. That authority, when used with due consideration, enhances experience. To be effective, authority must be used with, and granted, respect.

Grisham's Lessons #18 Balanced Risk

As Larry describes a scene from Legend of Crystal Cove, you will see in The Island Gang reflections of two previous entries of Grisham’s Lessons; #16 Reckless Caution, and #14 Innocence Counts.

Having drifted to an unknown location, they are trying to determine their best course of action to get back home when their attention is sidetracked by a suspicious rail truck that has pulled into a secluded mine entrance. Curious to learn what the men are doing in the mine, Gary determines he is going to take a look. Justin and Curtis think he’s lost his mind, and while Travis and Wendy agree that it’s a crazy idea—they end up going in with him.

The kids don’t have enough experience to plan for not letting Gary go alone, and leaving half of the team outside of the mine, but innocence works in their favor and that is what happens. Inside the mine they learn that it is a marijuana growing operation, and realize that they have entered a dangerous situation. Having Shadow with them on the inside, they benefit, both from their combined knowledge and insight, and the instinct of man’s best friend—an intelligent malamute. With half of their team outside the mine there is someone to go for help should things not go as planned.

When they become temporarily trapped inside the mine, Shadow helps them find a way out. Those on the outside have worked on an alternative plan, but wait patiently hoping for a good ending. Innocent as it may be, they balance their risk and safely yet narrowly, escape what could have been a tragic situation.

The end result is greater depth of experience, and while they may not do things that much differently in the future, they will have a better plan for recovery in case things don’t go as planned. When entering territory where things can change rapidly, it is good to have experience on your side, and to balance the risk.

Grisham's Lessons #17 Keep Alert

In Grisham’s lessons Larry identifies excerpts or concepts from the books, drawing parallels between them and situations that play out in life. There are several times in Legend of Crystal Cove where the kids that make up The Island Gang enter a mine, cave or tunnel and find themselves in the pitch black. In one instance they have just tied their boat to a pier, crossed some railroad tracks, and entered into an abandoned mine, which they later learn is not all that abandoned. As they remain completely still there in the dark, smells previously unnoticed and sounds otherwise ignored become evident.

When we find ourselves in unusual or unfamiliar situations, it is wise to step out of ourselves for a moment, taking notice of things in our surroundings that may not be blatantly obvious. This practice causes other senses to kick in and will help us to make better decisions than if we ignore the practice.

There is much in life that is alluring. Pausing to consider our other senses as we become exposed to an alluring or enticing environment will help us to make wise choices. The light of Christ is given to all men to help them know right from wrong and good from evil. Crass music, lewd media and course language can drown out the sensation that this special light offers. Crass, lewd and course are not cool. It only takes a few minutes to research the path that those caught in these poor habits follow.

True happiness is born of virtue, loyalty, achievement, which are found along a path that is completely opposite of crass, lewd and course.

Grisham's Lessons #16 Reckless Caution

In creating The Island Gang, Larry has put together quite a team of personalities. In Legend of Crystal Cove, the kids push off from Raft Island Beach and head out into Henderson Bay following clues uncovered at Dead Man’s. Gary stands ready to strike out into the unknown with little or no care as to consequences. Curtis, though a follower and always right in the mix, will generally be found sounding the voice of warning. Wendy and Travis, initially stunned at some of Gary’s suggestions aren’t about to be left behind and don’t often let Gary out of their sight. Justin reasons through things perhaps better than the rest providing some balance and Tyler can be counted on for comic relief.

Whether in an Island Gang adventure, the school lunch bunch, or business, this is a good mix of personalities. If some risk isn’t taken the chances for real discovery are diminished. If no caution is applied, the chances of getting safely to the point of discovery are lessened. Add a couple of folks who are willing to support risky action with some applied caution, and a guy who consistently adds humor so that the team doesn’t take themselves too seriously, and you’re working on a recipe for success. This is what Larry refers to as reckless caution.

Grisham's Lessons #15 Going Adrift

In chapter 10 of Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry describes a scene where the kids set anchor just outside of what they believe to be Crystal Cove. Having come across good information while in Grisham’s shed, and solved a missing piece in the puzzle out at Dead Man’s, The Island Gang leaves Raft Island firmly committed to accomplishing a worthwhile goal. Anxiousness leads to distractions and rash decisions.

Reading the chapter one will find that a good amount of planning and preparation was put into the event, yet a small error was made. When dropping the anchor they neglect to remember that it is low tide, and don’t leave enough line to accommodate the changes that will take place through the night. The changing tide sends them drifting with the currents, and by morning they are far from their intended location.

This same phenomenon plays out in life. Something gains our interest so we do our homework, learn more about it, make some plans, and head out. Along the way it sometimes happens that we get distracted, and thinking that we are firmly anchored, we take a little detour, quite certain that we are well anchored and will wake up right where we left off and continue the journey; only to find that while were distracted we drift so far from our intended destination that nothing around us is even recognizable.

The lesson is to check and double check our heading monthly, weekly, daily … even hourly if need be. If we find that we are even the slightest off course, we must immediately make every effort required until course correction is achieved.

Grisham's Lessons #14 Innocence Counts

By Larry Johns:
In Legend of Crystal Cove Grisham teaches The Island Gang many life lessons, and he occasionally learns one from them. In the case of Dead Man’s Island, Grisham had spent several days at the burial ground searching high and low for clues to the location of Crystal Cove and came up empty handed. The kids leave Raft Island and spend one afternoon atop Dead Man’s, and come away with an otherwise hidden portion of the mystery.

There are times when experience makes the difference, and times when innocence holds the key to finding the missing piece of the puzzle. One would think that Grisham with his years of investigative experience would have been the one to find the clues Dead Man’s held, instead it was a young believing mind that heard the call in the wind and saw the dreamcatcher in the layout of the cemetery.

This lesson holds true in life. A lack of experience equates to a lack of preconceived ideas, which can prove to be beneficial. Much can be learned from watching youth interact, particularly young children; no bias, no fear, no worries. Innocence can be a very powerful tool.

Grisham's Lessons #1 Stay open minded

By author Larry Johns. The Island Gang is just forming as they come into contact with Mr. Grisham. Grisham is at the lowest point in his life, having recently lost his wife. Together they had fought through years of MS and just two years earlier the unrelenting disease had caused her to become bedridden. Then that chapter of his life came to a close. He is deep in despair when the kids show up wanting to learn more about the dinghy that sits amongst a clump of overgrown berry bushes down at Raft Island Beach. Seeing a chance to help some kids accomplish their dream, he allows them into his life. He did not know at the time what association with these kids would bring.

Grisham's lessons will include both things learned and things taught. This lesson comes from Legend of Crystal Cove. Future postings could include lessons from Legend of the Masks, Legend of the Orcas, Legend of Walking Stick, or Legend of the Creation. You can find The Island Gang at Amazon.com, Borders.com, or it is available through your favorite bookstore.