47 Meters Down

A friend suggested that we see a movie, so my wife and I joined him. To be perfectly honest, I had no intention of watching this particular movie. I held very low expectations for it.  The movie was not as bad as I believed it would be. It was, however, very predictable as most movies of this genre appear to be.

As the movie progresses, it is abundantly clear that the reason for the main characters to be in such a bad situation is because of a ridiculous motive. Once they started on this expedition, one bad decision after another created more hazards. At some point, you hoped the characters would at least make one sound decision and not respond out of fear every time. This would not be the case. It actually got to the point where I began wishing that more bad things would happen because, with the decision-making, they must have wanted more terror. If only they would have listened to the simple directions, they were given.

Sometimes we make decisions based on the wrong motivation. We may be trying to impress someone. We may be trying to feel better about ourselves. We may even make a decision just because we do not know what else to do. Before making any decision, ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” If the answer you give yourself seems to be a shaky excuse, you may want to rethink your path before taking the first step.

Some situations look bad before we get into them. Avoid bad situations. We put ourselves in harm’s way by being at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. Investigate your path before starting it. Understand the dangers and what to do if more arise. 

Fear is also a problem. When we start making decisions based on fear, we tend to make the wrong decisions. You can always plan for problems to arrive, but we should base most of our decisions on a positive outcome. Expecting bad things to happen normally result in bad things happening. Obviously, even the best-laid plans can result in failure, but as plans fail, then we can adjust. Fear causes us to adjust before they fail and more often than not, lead to failure.

Just like in the movie, listening to sound advice is the way to go. Obeying it is even more important. Not every decision we make is life threatening, but following directions can save you from many terrible outcomes. The “I’ll do it my way” approach rarely works when you are out of your experience level. Listen to people who know. Follow their lead. Make sure you trust the person to whose advice you are taking.

While the saying “Doing something is better than doing nothing” has some credible thinking behind it, doing the wrong thing can have some incredible consequences. Do not be afraid to do something, but plan and do the right thing. Do not let fear hold you back. More importantly, do not let fear guide your decisions.  

Father's Day

Father's Day is a national holiday day to honor our fathers. The first celebration of Father’s Day was on June 10, 1910. Richard Nixon made it a national holiday in 1972. This was 58 years after Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day a national holiday. 

I have spoken to quite a few people whose relationships with their fathers are from ideal. Some children hate their dads. Some dads are absent, some are abusive, and some just do not seem to care. There are many other reasons that some are distant with their fathers. 

I had a very good relationship with my dad. Growing up, my dad worked out of town most of the time but was home on weekends. He still found a way to attend the things in which I was involved. He brought me to practices. He would occasionally play basketball with me. (Apparently not enough, because I still stink at the game.) When I was in college, he drove 4 hours to come see me just to give me encouraging words and returned home the same day. 

My dad was a very loving man, a very generous man, and a very trustworthy dad. My dad also had the same stories as other dads did. He walked uphill to school in the snow both ways every day. He only slightly exaggerated since he grew up in a place with no hills and no snow. I know one thing. I always wanted to be like him. 

When it came to discipline, it was there when needed. When it came to love, he demonstrated it. When it came to his kids' needs, he provided for them. My dad enjoyed life. I still want to be like him.

This makes me think of my heavenly Father. Some people tend to stay clear of God because base their understanding of God on an earthly father figure. If you did not see your father in a good way, it is hard to honor God as Father. However, we cannot compare God to our biological links into this world. 

God's love is unconditional. If you mess up, he still loves you. If you do not mess up, he loves you. God is just and disciplines us when we do something wrong, but he mixes mercy with it. God wants us to have a relationship with him. He is always there for us. Our problem is that we do not always see Him because we shift focus to other things. 

I hope you had a dad as great as mine. However, if you did not, I hope you will honor your heavenly Father who cares for you and wants the best for you. 

The Comeback

The LSU Tigers won two games this weekend to go to the College World Series. In both games, they had to come from behind to win. This made me think of several other come from behind victories and the emotions that went with them. 

On December 7, 1980, the Saints led the San Francisco 49ers 35-7 at halftime only to lose in overtime 38-35. They were 0-13 going into the game, and while the first half of football looked to be a sliver of hope for the team, this game dashed our dreams. Following this game, the fans began wearing bags on their heads when they went to the game and referred to the team as "The Aints". The Saints would win their only game of the year the following week and lose the week after to finish with a league low 1-15 record. It would take seven more seasons before the Saints would finish with a winning record. While the Saints continually lost, the San Francisco comeback stuck in my heart. It was a devastating loss. 

On February 5, 2017, The Atlanta Falcons has taken a 28-3 league about midway through the third quarter. They would not score again, and the New England Patriots would win the Super Bowl 34-28. As a Saints' fan, we are bitter rivals with the Falcons. While not a fan of the Patriots, this comeback was a moment of jubilation. 

Games like this fascinate me. How a team responds to being ahead or behind on the scoreboard says a lot about a team.  

Some teams see that they have a big lead and play as if they have already won. They take their eye off the prize and start basking in their own glory. Other teams never quit fighting and believe that they can still win. They will fight until the end. 

Life can be that way. Sometimes things are going so well, that we forget what our goals we have. We live as if the small victories are just as important as our main objective. They may be important but only as a means to an end. Do not lose focus of your goals or your purpose. 

Maybe life has been nothing but hardships. That does not mean you should stop playing. It means keep your focus. Do the basic things that create opportunities and seize the possibilities that present themselves to you. Do not give up on your game plan, but adjust it when appropriate. 

Thinking too much or too little of ourselves can change the outcome of a situation. Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the Faith.   

 

Jury Duty Day

Some people enjoy fulfilling their civic duty with jury duty. However, I do not know any of them personally. My wife is definitely not one of those people. Nevertheless, it was her turn once again to serve.  

The problem with jury duty is that it throws everything out of whack. It puts your normal life and routine on hold. You are responsible for changing everything to accommodate the courts. Babysitters, transportation, and rearranging schedules are all a part of this civic duty. I have had jury duty in all three parishes in which I have lived. There seems to be nothing worse than sitting in a room for hours with complete strangers waiting for the clerk to call your number. Getting questioned means more than a one-day commitment is possible. Sometimes it could take weeks or even longer if selected to sit on the jury. 

Fortunately, this was not my turn to serve. It was my wife's service. 

However, I did have to make some changes. With only one car, I had to make sure she was able to get there. I took a vacation day from work and spent the day in the area the courthouse is located. My second job scheduled me to work that evening, so I made sure my son was available to pick her up if her time was longer than anticipated. 

I was not about to just sit there and do nothing. I also did not want to drive home in case she finished early. With jury duty, there is no timetable established for the day. Many feel like a hostage. 

While my wife served, I decided to explore the town. I ate breakfast at a nice coffee shop. I visited a historical general store, a trading post, and an interesting yet peculiar art museum. I brought lunch to my wife when she called. Shortly after lunch, she was free to go for this particular day. My day was in stark contrast to my wife's day. I was at peace. She was ready to escape. 

As I reflect, I see the simple things in life that make it enjoyable. It is easy to go through life and miss the fascinating things that are out there. Our minds get lost on the big things. Many times, the big things cause us stress. The simple things can bring us refreshment and relaxation.

We recently purchased some patio furniture. I forgot how calming it is to watch the birds, the squirrels, and the sunset. I enjoy the quiet. We all need to enjoy the things that are out there. Some work too hard and miss everything, including their children growing up. Step back. Smell the roses. Enjoy your favorite beverage while relaxing from the stress of this world.

Stress is always available, but so is peace if you take the time to search for it. 

Never forget!

In the United States, today is a federal holiday known as Memorial Day. It is the day our country remembers and honors those in the armed forces that have died serving our country. This is not to be confused with Veterans Day that celebrates all veterans that have served in our country's armed forces. Without those men fighting and giving up their lives, our country would not be the same. 

Unfortunately, some people just look at this day is another federal holiday. People use their day off in different ways. Some get together and have barbecues, some head to the beach, and others sleep late. There is nothing wrong with any of these, but never forget why we have the opportunity to do those things. 

This is a holiday where traditionally we decorate the graves of the deceased soldiers. We fly our flags at half-staff until noon when it rises to the top of the flagpole again. The is a concert that takes place at the US Capitol, and across the country, many cities and towns hold Memorial Day Parades. 

We often say things in life like we will never forget, but as time passes on the memories began to fade. Even Jesus told his disciples at the last supper to do this in memory of me. Shortly after, Peter denied he even knew Jesus. 

The busier our lives become, the harder it is for us to remember. We began focusing on other things. Our focus on the important matters began to blur, and we only see what we want to see. Without Jesus, Christians would never know the freedom they have. Without the armed forces, Americans would not know the freedoms they have now.  

On September 11, 2011, terrorists attacked America including the twin towers. We claimed we would never forget. The country came together to make a stand. Since then, we let division become the norm. We seem to have forgotten that "United We Stand". 

Let us get back to the basics and remember those that have died serving our country. It took people to fight The American Revolution, The War of 1812, The Civil War, The World Wars and many other wars and many lives have been lost.

Look at what you have now. The freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, and the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness all cost something. Remember the cost. It cost many lives, and the men and women who paid that price for us deserve for us to honor and remember them. 

We often take these things for granted. However, I return to my original point. "Never Forget!"

Drinking from the Hose

There are many things I see when I drive through my neighborhood. There are always people jogging, walking their dogs, or selling lemonade on the street corner. However, last week I saw two young boys drinking from the garden hose. Of all the things that would bring back memories, it was this. 

I remember when my dad worked outside in the heat; he would always go drink water from the hose. I followed his example when I would play outdoors. My friends and I would all drink from the hose while playing outside. 

It seems like those were simpler times. We were not too good to drink from the hose. We did not require bottled water. We were not scared of what may be in the water coming from the pipes. It must not have been too bad. My dad did it and lived to be ninety. I did it, and at 50, I am still not on any medications. 

We went to the library or used encyclopedias to do research. Today, information is at our fingertips. It is surprising that libraries and bookstores still exist. I hope they never disappear. Technology makes things easier unless it puts you out of a job, which seems to happen more every day.  

My parents scolded me for not calling when I was out later than expected. People always wished that they could contact others instantly. With cell phones, it is almost impossible to hide. The busyness of life makes turning the phone off almost impractical. 

People always want to make things easier. When something new comes around, we must have it. Then after we have had it a while, we complain that life used to be much simpler. 

Someone came into the store the other day and asked for an atlas. Growing up, map reading was necessary for travel. Now we put our trust in the GPS. My GPS has taken me for some interesting turns and sometimes brought me to the wrong place. 

Someone else came to ask a question about a house phone. The other employee asked if I could assist because he had never had one and did not know how they worked. Am I that much of a dinosaur? 

King Solomon wrote, "There is no new thing under the sun”. While the inventions may be new, the motivation remains the same. Let us make things easier. The other thing that remains the same is we find reasons to complain about the new inventions. The book of Philippians tells us to do all things without complaining and disputing. 

How nice would it be with no one complaining? Let us strive for contentment. There are things that need changing. We can implement change without complaining. 

Coffee with Chunky Creamer

Last week, I was in the break room at work and poured myself a cup of coffee. I was looking forward to this cup of coffee. As I have said in a previous blog post, I like coffee. I enjoy the taste. I do not use sugar except for what is in the creamer already.

I opened the refrigerator that had several creamers from which to choose. I usually go with the original, but today I would try something different. As I poured the creamer into my coffee, chunky creamer fell into my cup.

Correct me if I am wrong, but creamer should never have chunks.

Of course, I did not attempt to drink the chunky-creamed coffee. I quickly poured it out, rinsed my cup, and poured myself another cup with the original creamer without chunks.

There have been times when preparing something to eat where I opened a needed ingredient to find out that it was no longer good. Frustrated and disappointed, I had to go to the store or find another unspoiled pack of the same thing to continue.

It does not take much to spoil a good thing.

It is like watching a movie, but the person behind you keeps talking or having one last chapter to read and someone tells you how the story ends.

When we view ourselves, we mostly consider ourselves as good. Sometimes we pour things into our lives that may seem okay at first, but eventually spoils. You may tell the facts about something, but the attitude behind it makes you a gossip. Your cream has become chunky.

I have heard how someone’s idiosyncrasies attracted him or her to another person. After being with them for a time, those same idiosyncrasies are what they complained about the most. It is like good creamer that has spoiled.

Maybe it is the time that we let some of our old habits die. Maybe the phrase “It is who I am” not be an excuse anymore. Let us try to improve. Let us enjoy one another’s company. Let us live our lives while getting rid of the trash inside. We all have some. We just do not like to hear it.

Whatever the chunky cream is in your life, throw it out and replace it with something fresh. 

Monday Morning

Seems like every Monday morning people needed more sleep. The first thought I usually have is wondering if there is a time to nap today. Sometimes, I can get one during my lunch break, but normally I began to wake up and do not need it.  Many people feel like they are useless on Mondays.

If only I went to bed at my normal time rather than my “weekend” time. It is not like my weekend bedtime is much later, but it is just not my norm. Some people think that normal is overrated. I am not known for being normal, but I like my schedule to remain as normal as possible.

Today has been anything but normal. I arrived at work and was told I was needed at another office today. This throws my normal into chaos. First, I no longer have access to the building to which I am reporting. Nor do I have access to any of the material that I will need. When they changed security cards, since I no longer worked here, I was locked out.

Of course, I will also be here alone for most of the day. That part I can handle until I need to get into a locked room.

Life can take us on strange twists and turns. Sometimes we are able to adjust quickly. Other times it appears our hands and feet are tied together and are given an impossible task.

However, I do not believe that anything is impossible. This is not because of my ability, but because of the great God I serve. He enables me to get through impossible situations. We all experience at least a few in our lifetimes.

The problem we often face is that we focus on the problem rather than a solution. I trust that everything will work out.

Perspective helps no matter how bad things appear. Today is Monday. My shift will end, and my Monday blues will be over. The end of the day always comes around. Maybe tomorrow will be normal. Maybe I will have another unexpected turn. Life is full of adventure. Some I enjoy. Others I prefer to avoid. Life goes on. Trouble is not the end of the world. You keep on going.

Focus on what you can do. Get help from others for those you cannot. Life does not end today. Even though on Mondays, it may seem like it.

 

 

Morning Coffee

I like coffee. It does not keep me awake at night, nor does it wake me up in the morning. I just like the taste.

There is a variety of coffees on the market today. I know some people that prefer dark coffees and espresso. Some like a very light roast that looks like colored water. I cannot drink weak coffee. I like a medium-dark roast. Currently, I am drinking a cup of Ethiopian coffee, which I consider delicious.

My grandfather drank his coffee with no sugar and no cream. I have tried it his way, but I do not really enjoy it. I put one tablespoon of Italian Sweet Cream in my coffee. That is all. There is enough sugar in the creamer to meet my palate’s need.

I have seen people put so much cream and sugar in their coffee; they are drinking cream and sugar with a mild hint of coffee flavor.

Drinking coffee is a part of my daily routine. Normally, I will have two cups daily. At one point, I was drinking two pots a day.

In a way, coffee is similar to truth. Some people take it straight. There is nothing added to distort it. Most people cannot handle the truth this way. We prefer to have others sweeten it a little bit before giving it to us. We do not like to have that bitter taste.

Some people want the truth watered down so that it does not even resemble what it is supposed to be. They prefer to believe a lie. Sometimes the truth is hard to swallow. It may reveal our shortcomings.  No one likes to hear that he or she is not perfect. Others take the truth and learn from it. They make adjustments.

Recently someone told me I am not mean, but that I am just honest. I like the truth. Sometimes, I do not deliver it in a sweet enough way. I can learn from this truth. Maybe I can sweeten my delivery. I think I receive truth pretty well, but you have to prove to me that I am wrong. This has happened, and I made adjustments.

People misquote the Bible sometimes saying, “The truth will set you free.” This is only partially true. The actual quote is, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. In order for the truth to set you free, you need to know it first.  

Do not be afraid to hear the truth. Search for it. Learn from it. Be honest with others but give it to them in a way that it benefits them. Not everyone likes it straight. 

The Draft

Various sports around the world hold drafts that allow them to choose which players they will sign contracts. The earlier a player is drafted usually corresponds to the amount they will be paid. This is similar to children picking captains to choose who will be on their team. The captains normally select the better players first, while the other children just do not want to be the last one.  

Sometimes the teams making the choices are fortunate to find a hidden gem that works out better than expected. Too many times, someone selected too soon is cause for heartbreak. Drafts are highly unpredictable. You really do not know what you have until you have worked with them.

Many instances of life are similar to drafts. In politics, we vote for someone we do not really know to keep the promises they make. Sometimes they do, but for a variety of reasons, they more often do not. 

Job interviews are also like this. Some people interview well and get the job unable to fulfill the demands. Those not selected may exceed the job requirements, but they are unable to master the interview.

Fixing missed opportunities can be a lengthy and costly process. 

We can choose our friends, as well. Sometimes we choose well. Then we have those times when we wonder how we got involved with some of them. I have been very fortunate. I have great friends. I may not see them all as often as I like. This is largely because of where everyone lives these days. However, with technology, it is easier to stay in contact. 

The one thing we cannot choose is our family members. I would also like to say, that I would still draft everyone in my family. From siblings to cousins and even my in-laws, they all have been a blessing in one way or the other. There are some with whose opinions I may never agree. Some make decisions that I do not understand. What difference do things make? They are still some of the greatest people I have ever met. 

If I had to draft family members, I would miss some things that make me who I am. No family is perfect. Nevertheless, my family is perfect for me.

I hear people complain about their families. Bad relationships have ruined the mere concept of family for some. Some of the reasons they have are understandable, but my heart goes out to these people. I think they are missing out. 

I wish everyone could have the large, loud, and possibly obnoxious family and friends that I do. I think family is important. Fortunately, some friends are more like family. For those that do not think they have a great family, find a few good friends. Some do not know how to make friends. The best way to make a friend is to be friendly.  

What do you want to eat?

Whether there are only two people or many, the question of where or what to eat seems to come up. We often repeat the question several times because no one wants to make a decision. Finally, after getting tired or hungry, someone names a place, and everyone settles for it.

More often than not, people know what they do not want but are not sure of what it is they truly desire. Others just do not want to make a choice in fear that others may reject what they really want. 

Today, I saw a car on the interstate trying to decide whether to exit or not. He finally took the exit and at the last possible minute swerved back in front of me to stay on the interstate. Fortunately, my brakes work well, and an accident was avoided.

Indecision is a problem. Some things, like dining out, are not as important as causing possible crashes.  Some things matter a lot more. I would never want to hear a plumber tell me that they were unable to decide if the natural gas lines in my house were leaking or not.

We need to make decisions. It is not always a fun thing to do. What do you want out of life? How do you plan to accomplish your goals? Will others need to assist with your plans? There are questions that need answering.

One of the decisions we must make is to have faith or live in doubt. It is a choice that we must make. If you think something is possible, it is. If you doubt you can do it, you probably will not. If you cannot decide what to believe, you have already begun the process of failing.

If you choose to live in faith, you must decide what it is that you choose to believe. I chose how I wanted to raise my family. I chose to believe that my plan would work. I chose not to abandon that plan. After 25 years, my choice seems to have paid off. This does not mean I made no mistakes. I just had to adjust a few things here and there to keep on track.

Making the right choices helps you achieve what you want. The Bible even says when you ask anything from God you must ask in faith without doubting. If you doubt, do not think you should receive anything from him.

Whether in business, relationships, or just in life itself, be confident of what you want. Be confident in your choices. I often hear that making the wrong choice is better than making no choice. That is true because you can always fine-tune things along the way. You cannot alter your direction if you are not going anywhere.

When Life Hits

Stephen Piscotty is the starting right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. He accomplished something that I have never seen until now. The ball hit him three times on the same trip around the bases.

A pitch hit his right arm that allowed him to go to first base. Then on a dropped pitch, he went to second, but the ball hit him on the arm during the play. Finally, as he went home, the ball hit him in the head. He laid there for several minutes before walking off the field under his own power. By the way, he did score on the play.

This was just the second game of the Cardinals season. Last year, a pitch hit Stephen 12 times, which ties him for eighth most in 2016.

There are times when life hits us hard. Sometimes it hits us several times in a short period. In tough times, we must make the decision to press forward. When we walk through the fires of life, we may end up with a few scars, but we can learn from those experiences. Even better is that we can teach others how to make it through the flames they face.

Some decide life is not fair and quit. They end up with no great accomplishments. No one benefits from his or her challenges or experience. Quitting benefits no one. Running from your problems does not make them go away. Usually, there is another one lurking right around the corner. Learn to get through one and use that experience to be victorious over the next one.

It is like learning how to walk. You take a step and then fall. You get back up and take another step. Falls will continue to be there for a while. One day, the falls stop. You learn how to stay upright. We need to do this in life.

This weekend, Sergio Garcia won his first major golf tournament at The Masters. This was his 74^th attempt at winning a major.  The lack of a major did not make him a bad golfer. In fact, between 2000 and 2009 Sergio ranked in the top 10 for over 300 weeks. He ranked as high as second in 2008. I am certain he is glad he never quit.

Time continues whether you see success or not. We need to make the best choices. We need to stay in the game. It may seem like you are accomplishing nothing, but you are gaining experience that can be used. You can share and teach the life lessons you learned. You may never win a Masters Tournament. You may never score in a Major Baseball League game. You can win at life.

If you lack some knowledge or skill that helps you to succeed, seek that knowledge or skill. Learn whatever you can learn. Learning may be easier than making the decision to seek the missing components. However, if you do not seek the tools required, you will never find them. Make the decision to continue. Stay in the game until you meet your goal. Never give up. 

The Best Me

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” ― Oscar Wilde

While I am not a big fan of impersonators, I have always appreciated the talent one uses to sound like another person. I cannot impersonate a specific person, nor can I imitate accents. In fact, all of my accents sound identical to the one before it. However, impersonating their voice and imitating them are two different things.  

Many people have role models. Some dress, talk, and act like them even to the point of reading the same books or eating the same breakfast. To some degree, this can be a good thing. Sometimes, it is not. 

Just because you follow the example of a successful businessperson, does not mean you will have the same results. The results may be better if you follow their example in some areas. However, is trying to succeed without being true to yourself you truly a success? 

I am a firm believer in being you. My goals and dreams are not dependent on what others are doing. They may have similar ideas, and I may be able to take some of the things that worked for them and apply them to my situation. Nonetheless, my background is not identical to their background. My thoughts and feelings are not always their thoughts and feelings. My values may be different from their values. Similar does not mean the same. There are always differences. 

We tend to do things how our instructors taught us. If I trust my teacher, why would I change? Maybe there is more than one way to accomplish the same thing. Maybe there is a more proficient way for me to accomplish the same goal. There always seems to be more ways to the same end. One path may be easier for you while another path is better for me. 

I believe we all have unique skills and talents. We should use the skills we have to fulfill whatever our purpose in life may be. We should refine those skills. We should practice those skills. We should even add to our skill set, if possible. "That is just who I am" should not be an excuse to fail or misbehave. 

Anyone who knows my youngest son and I know we both look and act incredibly similar. However, there are differences because we are not the same person. We do not need two of me walking on this planet. I need to be me, but I also need to be the best me that I can be. 

Imitating someone may be flattering to them but being the "best" you that you can be is what makes you special. 

Curling

This weekend the 2017 World Women's Curling Championships was on television. Being from the south where football reigns, I do not frequently watch this sport. The game appears easy enough to understand but seems to take a lot of balance, strategy, and an understanding of geometry. 

In an oversimplified explanation, someone slides a 40-pound stone down 150 feet of ice to reach a target or to knock another stone out of the way while two other people with brushes sweep the ice ahead of the stone to control the speed of the stone. 

I see a relationship between curling and everyday life.

We are the stone sliding through life. There is a destination or a goal that we are trying to reach. We rely on others to help us reach that goal. This explanation of life is also an oversimplification.

We do not all have the same goals in life. Goals for which we are aiming may include business success, better relationships, making the world a better place or fulfilling whatever we consider our purpose to be. 

The target is straight ahead of us. We just need to get there. The problem is life is like ice. It is slippery. The possibility of staying on course for the whole trip is difficult. Distractions try to pull us off course or to slow us down. There are things that we do that may stop us from getting to the target. Knock the distractions blocking you from your goal out of the way.

We need assistance to reach our goals. Some people have lists to keep them focused. Others have people around them to encourage them to stay on track. Some rely on God and the scriptures to show them the correct way to go.

Whatever your purpose in life is, be careful not to just slide on the ice without assistance or direction. Let something or someone help guide you. Life is a team sport. Assist others with their goals and allow others to help you fulfill yours. No one reaches his or her destination alone. 

When Tomorrow Comes

The dictionary defines Tomorrow as the day after today. The very definition proves the proverb "tomorrow never comes." However, we know that tomorrow will come disguised as today. Sometimes we are ready for it. At other times, we dread its arrival. 

I once hated a job so much that on my first day of vacation I dreaded my return. I did not enjoy my vacation. I could not appreciate my time with my family. They deserved my attention, but my focus was the fear of going back to that awful workplace. The stress levels were so high that I struggled to sleep. There were days when I could not help but cry over my situation. My wife told me to quit my job, but how would I support my family? 

I feared tomorrow would come. In that circumstance, it always came too early. 

Many years later, I look back and am glad that I was able to get free from that place. It only took a phone call to a previous boss to get a position that allowed me to regain enjoyment in life. Had I not decided to make that call, I would hate to think of how things would have turned out.  

There are still times when I wish tomorrow would never come. Normally, those times are when I am enjoying today so much, I never want it to end. When I spend time with my family, I would love for that moment to be endless. This is especially true when that family time involves my granddaughter. While I do not dread tomorrow in these instances, I only wish for today to linger. I have a great family. I love each one of them. Time together is not necessarily rare, but it never seems to be enough. (They may or may not feel the same way about time with me.)  

I can hardly wait for some tomorrows to arrive. Just like not wanting to leave my family, I cannot wait for the time to come to gather with them. When that is tomorrow, it cannot come soon enough. 

Paydays, holidays and weekends are some of the days I love to see coming. Obviously, I cannot wait for more than these days to arrive. My wedding day was one such day. On Friday, Saturday could not come quick enough. Some people are nervous about their wedding day, but I was as calm as I could be. I knew I made the right choice. I knew what I wanted. My life would change, and it did so for the better. Who would not be thrilled to have something great arrive sooner than later?

  

Regardless of what you want, tomorrow comes. We cannot wait for something so eagerly that we do not enjoy the present. We also should not dread anything so much, that it ruins today. The manner in which we wait is just as important as what we anticipate.  

Prepare for tomorrow's arrival but realize that today is worth living. Sometimes it only takes a change of attitude or thinking that can make your current situation better. It may also take action, like a phone call. However, do not ruin your today but waiting for tomorrow.   

Enjoy today!

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

I am not a supporter of Daylight Savings Time. In fact, I hate it. Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada started this in 1908. Germany was the first country to use it so they could conserve fuel during the war in 1916. Over 70 countries currently use the time change. The point is to make better use of the natural daylight.  

I do not know many people that enjoy changing the clocks twice a year. Laziness is not why they hate it. It is the losing an hour of sleep and regaining it months later. It throws people out of their routines. People appear more tired. Our bodies seem to take longer to adjust. 

In fact, we do not actually save any time. You still have the same amount of time throughout the year. My question is simple. Is this something that we need to continue, or has it outlived its purpose? 

Journals have published articles about the effects of the time change. Groups have conducted studies on the subject. It appears that the time change sparks more heart attacks and strokes, more auto accidents, and a reduction in work productivity. 

Studies have been unable to show any significant energy savings as a result. Many people have voiced the preference to change the laws, but only Arizona and Hawaii do not change their clocks.  

To me, the idea of continuing Daylight Savings Time is madness. 

People and businesses often refuse to let go of ideas or practices that no longer prove beneficial. We are often stuck with the thought of "it is what we have always done." Maybe we need to look at the direction we are going and the methods we are using to see if they are helping or hurting our goals.

Technology, society, and circumstances can make what was once a necessity into something outdated and impractical. Yet, many people continue their journey but never accomplishing what they once would. 

I once heard a man say, "If the horse you are riding dies, get off the horse." That is great advice. There are committees, meetings, and business plans that should be extinct. Letting go may be hard to do. We should periodically look at what we do. If something is not working, adjust it. Get rid of ideas that are no longer viable. There may be a better idea out there that will help you achieve your goals. 

Do not let pride get in the way. It may have been your idea, but it is more important to complete your purpose than to receive credit for a failed mission. If you cannot see why things are not moving in the right direction, ask others for the perspective. Others may see what you cannot. 

THE DIET SOLUTION

For the last twenty years, I have seen my weight fluctuate quite a bit. This is not surprising since I love food. Some people eat because they need to survive. I eat food for my enjoyment.

A doctor once asked me how a person could possibly gain that much weight in such a short amount of time. (I found a new doctor.) Another doctor once called my weight loss an anomaly asking how I could possibly lose that much weight so quickly.

I have read about many diet plans. I examined the pros and cons about most of them. I have scanned many articles about what worked for others in their search for a better, healthier body. I have even looked at the benefits of diet pills.

What I discovered was far from a mind-blowing discovery. Everyone said the same thing but in a different way. It all came down to eating less unhealthy foods, eating more healthy foods, and move a lot more. It is not rocket-science.

I laughed when I read the directions on the side of the diet pill bottle at the store. It said that the product is effective in aiding weight loss with a proper diet and exercise. Why take a pill if I still have to do the other things needed to lose weight?

I can lose weight. That is not the issue. My problem is I like to eat what I like to eat. What I like to eat makes me regain the weight I lost.

When I lose the weight, people ask me how I lost it. What plan did I use? I used the same thing everyone else does, but it only works if I am motivated.

Motivation is the key. I wanted to lose 30 pounds for my son's wedding, I did. Another time, I lost 30 pounds so my wife would no longer hear my heartbeat when sitting near me. I lost 40 pounds to avoid needing medicines the doctor prescribed.

Motivation can help accomplish great things, not just in weight loss. Everyone has things that make him or her respond. Most people know what changes they need to make to help them be successful in making the change. Even knowing how to make the change is useless if you are whatever endeavors they face. We need to go from knowing what to change to not motivated to continue.

Find out what motivates you. Providing for and watching your family grow up may be a motivation. Staying off or getting off medicines may be a motivation.

Motivations are not the same for everything. Wanting to get off medicine will never help me do my best at my job. I must have another reason. I am motivated to be friendly. There is a motivation behind everything I do successfully.

If you want to be successful, find out what will truly motivate you. Having a legitimate reason behind your goals will help you stay on the path to accomplishment.

You may need to make the same changes as someone else, but only you can determine what will get you to do it.

The Dog Chaser

Many years ago, I held a job as a meter reader. Going onto people's properties to get to an electric or gas meter could sometimes be an adventure.

I remember this one house that raised about two feet off the ground. It set back about one hundred feet away from the front fence. The electric meter was on the right rear side of the house. As any seasoned meter reader would do, I checked for signs of trouble before entering. I rattled the gate, saw no food bowls or animal tracks, and called out to alert anyone or anything that I was entering.

I cautiously approached the house and remained alerted for possible unseen danger. It was not until I reached the front corner before a full-grown German Shepherd came from under the house running full speed in my direction. He was not happy with my presence in his territory.

It is truly amazing how fast the mind can think. I went through possible scenarios of escape. I could not outrun the dog, at least not in the distance required. In those tenths of seconds that I had, I was struggling to get a reasonable idea. No good ideas came to mind.

Out of time and needing to act fast, I acted on impulse with what seemed like an incredibly stupid plan. I took my handheld device for inputting readings from the meters, lifted it over my head with one hand and ran at the German Shepherd full speed yelling.

What was I thinking? At this point, not a lot.

The result of my action was more than I could have expected. The German Shepherd's hair stood straight up on its back.  It turned and ran as far away from me as it could and hid. I was able to back out of the yard with the electric meter's reading. I was able to calm down and breathe again.

We all have problems that we face in life. Ignoring them does not make them disappear. Sometimes these problems are developed over a long time. Sometimes they present themselves suddenly.

I thought about this story when I read about David and Goliath. Goliath was a big problem for David, but he ran towards the problem to defeat it.

We certainly need to be watchful of possible troubles to avoid them from becoming catastrophic. I do not mean live in fear of everything just do not let your guard down. Do not run from the trouble in your life. Do something to overcome it.

Most of the time, we will have more time to think about what to do than just tenths of a second.  Use the time to prepare a winning strategy. Talk to people that have succeeded in dealing with the same sort of trouble. Some people are not looking out for your best interest. Make sure you consult with wise and knowledgeable people.

Like people have said, "Doing something is better than doing nothing." You can always check and adjust your plan later if needed.