My family gathered around the campfire, trying to make s’mores. The coals weren’t ready, though. My cousins poked their marshmallows into the fire only to pull their sticks back out and find a flaming ball of goo. No one could wait. Yet the perfect s’more, like the perfect portfolio and profit, takes patience.

I never thought a silly gramcracker combo could teach me anything beyond the fact that I do not like burned marshmallows. Even in the right conditions, I might burn my marshmallow. Either that or I’d better prepare to get comfortable. Perfectly toasted marshmallows take time. Perfection takes time.

My cousin was getting annoyed. He poked at the fire. “When you give us hot coals and some heat, then I’ll put some more wood on you.” Like the fire would agree to that! Like a university would agree, “Yes, you get your education and then pay your tuition bill. Sounds great.”

We’ve got to give to get. If you want something, give something’a smile, a buck, a business tip, friendship…
Give what you want. But tell me the conditions of the last perfect s’more that you ate.