The story goes of a man walking on the beach when a voice from heaven says, "My son, because you've tried to do what's right all your life, I'll grant you one wish."�

The guy said, "Build me a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over any time I want."�

The voice responded, "Your request is very materialistic. Take a little more time and think this through."�

The man thought for a while as he walked. Finally, he said, "Lord, I want to understand women. I want to know how they feel inside, what they're thinking when they give me the silent treatment, why they cry and what they mean when they say, 'nothing's wrong.' How can I make a woman truly happy?"�

There was a profound silence. The voice replied, "You want two lanes or four lanes on that bridge?"�

Let's be honest - the same thing goes for guys. While I gripe and moan about the cost to cut and color my five daughters' hair, I don't seem to bat an eye at dropping a chunk of money on a TV that replaces one that still works.

Men and women may always see things differently. That's OK. But how do you overcome those Pacific-sized differences?

DIFFERENT IS OK

Our third daughter Kate enjoys listening to hip-hop music. I listen to other stuff. When we're both in the car, we alternate. Sometimes we listen to hers, sometimes mine. It takes patience - for both parties. Occasionally, we even find stuff we both like. Sometimes I lose sight that it's the conversation in the car that's more important than the background music.

COMMON GROUND

In the kitchen, our youngest daughter likes sweet treats. I tend to pig out on the salty stuff. Although we may opt for different desserts, we found we can BOTH enjoy caramel corn. You'd be surprised how many ways you can combine sweet and salty. You'd also be surprised how much you have in common with people who think differently.

GIVE AND TAKE

My wife goes all out on the holidays. From the outside lights to the decked out tree, I feel like I come home from work to a North Pole satellite office. Me? I'm more of a minimalist. My idea for Christmas decorations is one bowl of red and green M & M's. So how do we compromise? We don't. She wins, crafty hands down. You don't need to meet in the middle all the time.

It's taken me too long in life to realize that arguing details is a complete waste of time. Address the differences, but keep it in perspective. I may never see everything eye-to-eye with the six females in our house, but that's not so bad. They've opened my eyes to a mother load of viewpoints; many of which I've had time to ponder while waiting for a bathroom to free up on Sunday mornings.

After 23 years and a million mistakes on the highway of life, what have I learned? Be patient, find common ground, don't be afraid of change and BRIDGE those differences.

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The people around you can have a major impact on your destination. Hang out with people who are headed where you want to be someday.

Lesson #2: Life is full of big steps.

As you get older, the steps seem smaller. Events in life can seem a little daunting at times. Experience in life may not change the size of the steps, but just increase our ability to climb them.

Lesson #3: If you find yourself in a bad situation, get out. Quick.

How you got there isn't the question at the time. Just get out.

Lesson #4: When someone says they love you, say it back.

If you're not the type that says it much, become the type that says it much.

Lesson #5: Talk to God a lot.

The mantis is praying for deliverance. Lola is blessing the food. Either way, communicate with your Father in Heaven. Dads like to hear how their kids are doing.

Lesson #6: Work hard, play hard.

Whether it's your job or your chores, do them well. And when you're done, feel good about it.

Lesson #7: There are just going to be those days...

Whether you forgot to take the size sticker off your new pants, or went the rest of the day after lunch with mustard on your face, laugh it off and chalk it up to experience.

Lesson #8: When people ask for volunteers, raise your hand.

Learn something new! Service not only helps out the people who need it, but also the people doing it. One of life's win-win situations.

Lesson #9: Wherever you go, and whoever you hang out with, you're bound to bring a little bit of it home with you. Choose both carefully.

People naturally rub off on each other. Make sure that what you absorb is what will bring you happiness.

Lesson #10: Never hesitate to brighten someone's day.

If you get the chance to make someone smile, do it. They tend to pass it along, and it usually finds its way back to you when you most need it.

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