Every boy should have a Coleman camping lantern. They are a wonderful part of childhood, camping and summer nights. If you were not able to have one as a child you can start later in life, but beware!
A good friend of mine wrote to tell about his experience with his Coleman Lantern: “A few days back, I decided to try out my new lantern. When you know as much about lanterns as I do, you don’t waste time reading the instructions, you simply overfill the fuel tank, pump the thing for 5 minutes, turn the valve wide open and let it hiss for a while before pressing the “ignition” button. What a surprise that such a small and “safe” little thing could make such a loud sound and produce so much flame & smoke. My eyebrows will grow back soon AND I’m prepared if the lights go out.”
Thinking one knows enough without reading directions happens with many things in life other than Coleman lanterns. I have had the problem of not reading directions more times than I can remember. Because of this, the older I become the more I squint and read the fine print. Another area that illustrates this concern is reading my Bible. I used to read because my mother made me. Then I read because I had assignments for college to finish. After that I read because I had sermons and such to prepare. Later, I read because people asked me questions. I read more and more now because I have learned that I need help. Funny thing I have learned is that many of the people that need the most help are the least likely to ask for it. Trouble with condemning these folks is that I am part of their group far to often.
“How shall a young man cleanse his way?. . . Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light upon my path.” Psalms 119
