Gun Lap Ch 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of the starting blocks in sprinting as described?

They symbolize preparation and readiness for the race ahead. (correct)

They determine the winning time of the race.

They are used only for competitive racing events.

They are a place for athletes to stretch and warm up.

What emotional impact did the teacher's negative words have on Justin?

They instilled a belief in him that he would never achieve anything. (correct)

They motivated him to strive harder in life.

They caused him to forget about his past mistakes.

They helped him overcome his fears regarding authority figures.

What is the main theme conveyed about past experiences in the content?

They have the power to determine future outcomes exclusively.

They serve no purpose in one's personal development.

They can shape one's present in significant ways. (correct)

Past experiences are irrelevant to current successes.

How did Justin's past affect his professional work, as described?

It created a fear that hindered his performance despite his skills. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor is used in the content to illustrate the concept of reaching goals?

Positioning in starting blocks. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic best describes Graybill Wolgemuth's parenting style?

Strict and disciplinarian Signup and view all the answers

How did the author feel about spending time with his grandfather Wolgemuth?

Dreadful and uncomfortable Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Monroe Sharpe Dourte differ from Graybill Wolgemuth?

He was emotionally driven and creative. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that Graybill Wolgemuth may have struggled with social interactions?

He adjusted the volume of his hearing aid to avoid conversations. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic did the author attribute to Monroe Sharpe Dourte when recalling his experiences?

Warm and engaging with a love for creativity. Signup and view all the answers

What was Grandpa Dourte's favorite kindling?

Walnut shells Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator feel about the physical resemblance to his father?

He embraced it as a positive aspect. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic did the narrator associate with his father in terms of personality?

He was a perfectionist. Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to the confusion regarding the father’s health diagnosis?

An inaccurate assessment of Parkinson's Disease. Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator's dad try to fix that illustrates his perfectionism?

A leaning stop sign. Signup and view all the answers

What reaction did the narrator observe in his father as he aged?

An occasional silliness and giddiness. Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator’s friend do to find role models for aging?

He sought biographies of successful older men. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion did the narrator’s father express during a walk with his daughter?

Sadness. Signup and view all the answers

What element of his father's physical appearance did the narrator particularly remember?

His strong hands. Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator describe his father's overall demeanor?

In control and self-disciplined. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Starting Blocks

The author likens life to a sprint race, and the starting blocks represent the "gun lap" - the moment when we prepare to face our mortality and embrace aging.

Family of Origin

The author reflects on the influence of his grandfathers and father on his life and how he carries them with him into the "gun lap".

Graybill Wolgemuth - The First "Gun Lap" Man

Was a strict disciplinarian and a pastor. Known as "Father Wolgemuth"
Emphasized good conduct, hard work, and being "seen and not heard".
Was a meticulous perfectionist who valued order and neatness.
Had a limited sense of humor and did not appear to enjoy his later years.

Monroe Sharpe Dourte - The Other Grandpa

Was a creative, emotionally driven man who loved beauty, music, laughter, poetry, and people.
Known as "Daddy Dourte", he was warm and affectionate to his family.
Owned a workshop where he carved wood and honed his skills with sharp knives.
Had a strong faith and often hummed or sang songs of praise.

Samuel Wolgemuth - The Author's Father

A strong and imposing figure, despite being shorter than the author.
Known for his strong hands and a relentless pursuit of order and control.
He was a "perfectionist" and a "nitpicker", which the author acknowledges as a trait he also shares.
Experienced a decline in mobility in his later years, which he struggled to accept.

The Power of Example

People have a choice to either embrace or reject the examples set by their family members.
Some may have had negative experiences with their family, causing them to seek alternative role models.

Culling Through the Lumber

The author uses the metaphor of "culling" lumber to describe the process of selecting the "good" qualities from his family's legacy and discarding the "bad" ones.
He wants to keep the positive attributes and let go of those that hold him back.

Inheritance of Qualities

The author identifies the positive qualities he inherited from his family, including:
- Neatness and focus from Graybill Wolgemuth
- Affection for people, a welcoming spirit, and a love for music and beauty from Monroe Dourte
- Generosity, attention to detail, hard work, and a commitment to finishing tasks from Samuel Wolgemuth

The "Gun Lap" and Aging

The author acknowledges the inevitable physical and mental changes that come with aging.
He encourages readers not to fear this process because it's universal to all men.
It's an opportunity to embrace a new chapter and make the most of the remaining time.

The Power of Forgetting and Pursuing

The text uses the words " forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead" from Philippians 3:13-14 to illustrate the importance of moving forward from negative past experiences.
The text suggests that individuals can choose to break free from the negative influence of their past, even if it was a painful one.
It acknowledges the challenge of disregarding past pain but emphasizes the power of the Lord to provide strength and grace to forget and press on towards a better future.
The writer stresses the concept of pursuing God's promises and living with a "fresh, unfettered freedom" by embracing the idea of forgetting and pursuing in the context of overcoming past negative influences.

Gun Lap Prayer

The text includes a prayer reflecting on the challenges of overcoming negative past experiences and seeking strength and guidance from God.
The prayer is addressed to "Father in heaven," expressing the individual's desire to forget negativity and embrace God's promises.

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Description

This quiz explores the author's insights on life, mortality, and the influence of family, particularly focusing on the contrasting legacies of two grandfathers. Delve into the themes of discipline, creativity, and the emotional connections that shape our perspectives as we age.