conspicuouscandor

June 16, 2013…Happy Father’s Day, Everyone!  I originally posted this on February 2nd, under the title of “Harry Chapin, Trace Adkins, Tony Dungy, & Solomon:  An Open Note to Dads.”  I thought I’d re-post it today in the spirit of Father’s Day as we remember Dads and father figures important to our lives.  And so, thank you for indulging me.  This is for Chet, Russ, Neil, Jim, and all of the really good guys along the journey.  Peace.

We assume a great deal of titles in this life.  Consider that, in my own life, I’ve been called “son…student…center fielder…bagger…squad leader…specialist…executive director…administrator…chairman…vice president…friend…brother…and husband.”  I’m sure there are others I’m forgetting.  But the most important and, truly the only one worthy of capitalization in my opinion, is the best title ever:  “Dad.”

I think of occupational titles as validation, in some form, of something we have done in the past.  We typically gain new and fancier titles when we have proven our value to the organization in our prior role.

Perhaps becoming a Dad is more of a nomination to step up to a grand future command performance – rather than a validation of one’s past.  It’s God’s invitation to excel as a man.

J. Mark Fox wrote of each man’s family role as being in the context of “Four P’s” – the Prophet, Priest, Protector, and Provider.  A Prophet who hears God’s word and subsequently shares and teaches it to others (his children).  A Priest who goes before his people (family) on behalf of God and goes before God on behalf of his family as their leader.  A Protector to guard against false doctrine, bad companions, and bad choices.  And a Provider to feed physical and emotional needs, while preparing and providing for their future.

Future?  Yes.  Legacy.

During a recent discussion, my bride observed that “we choose our own legacy.”  So true.

I may not agree entirely with all that Fox writes, but I do agree that the “Four P’s” are fundamentally applicable and evident of our true responsibilities in our capacity as “Dad.”

All too often, though, Dads become easily confused.  In an effort to be a good Provider, perhaps it’s fairly simple to self-impose a mischaracterized identity established on an occupational axis, rather than regarding the priority of the other three “P’s” and our obligation to be at our best as “Dad.”  It’s not easy, yet who said anything worthy is easy?

Yet, I’ve known men of great occupational success who have missed the point.  In fact, it’s evident to me that even the most scholarly can sometimes fail miserably in life’s most important exam.

I’ve also known men who have passed with flying colors – in both arenas.  A successful logistics executive who missed not one softball game, show choir concert, or academic honors ceremony.  And there was a man named Fred – honestly, I don’t recall a single clue as to what he did for money, but I can tell you he left behind three kids who themselves became great human beings – great parents themselves who are focused and engaged.

Notice that Law didn’t call out any obligation to be a “Pleaser.”  Sometimes it’s just not about personal happiness, but more about redirecting “I want…” to a clearly and directly articulated “Yes, but you need and, therefore, you will…”  We should be so cautious as to recognize that sometimes betting on happiness today is a bet against tomorrow.  After all, being “spoiled” refers to something that has occurred in the past – not now.

Two great songs about fatherhood are “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin and “Just Fishin'” by Trace Adkins.  Consider their opposing stories:

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin’ ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew
He’d say “I’m gonna be like you dad
You know I’m gonna be like you”

I’m lost in her there holdin’ that pink rod and reel
She’s doin’ almost everything but sittin’ still
Talkin’ ’bout her ballet shoes and training wheels
And her kittens
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home dad?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then

I say, “Daddy loves you, baby” one more time
She says, “I know. I think I got a bite.”
And all this laughin’, cryin, smilin’ dyin’ here inside’s
What I call, livin’

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, “Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play
Can you teach me to throw”, I said “Not today
I got a lot to do”, he said, “That’s ok”
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him”

And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside
Throwin’ back what we could fry
Drownin’ worms and killin’ time
Nothin’ too ambitious
She ain’t even thinkin’ ’bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then

She’s already pretty, like her mama is
Gonna drive the boys all crazy
Give her daddy fits
And I better do this every chance I get
‘Cause time is tickin’
(Yeah it is)

Well, he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?”
He shook his head and said with a smile
“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?”

And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside
Throwin’ back what we could fry
Drownin’ worms and killin’ time
Nothin’ too ambitious
She ain’t even thinkin’ ’bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then

She ain’t even thinkin’ ’bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’
Yeah, aww, she thinks we’re just fishin’
We ain’t only fishin’
(This ain’t about fishin’)

I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind”
He said, “I’d love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job’s a hassle and kids have the flu
But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you”

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He’d grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then

(this ain’t about fishin’…)

I’ve long believed that parents earn their place in the future of their children.  Dads, how will you be regarded and remembered?  What will be your dash?

So, Dads…step UP.  If you’re interested in improving the world around us, start at home:

Raise accountable, Christian kids who know you and know Him.

Pray for them and with them.  Get up and take them to Sunday School.

Teach right versus wrong and bend not to whatever the heck those people down the street are doing.

Teach them to exert their best effort and to make good choices.  And if the world judges their best effort to be “average” – well, that’s absolutely fine.  “Average” wrapped in strength of character and perched upon a solid foundation of Christian values and beliefs will endure whatever storm comes ’round.  Let the wind blow.

Make your home a place where hate-filled video games and other meaningless dribble simply aren’t welcome – it’s far less likely that anyone will rage against society after watching Smile of a Child.

Ensure that your occupational execution is squarely focused on your role as Provider to those who call you “Dad” – you are here to feed them, not your own ego – and don’t apologize for stepping away from the office to attend something at school or some other opportunity to be there and be Dad.

It’s not easy.  I find that it takes a heckuva lot of work and focus – and sometimes I simply fail.  But consciousness begets improvement and so, Brothers, let’s hold each other accountable.  It takes, I think, a bit of a Nike perspective – “Just Do It.”

“We have a number of difficulties facing our nation, but I believe fatherlessness is right at the top of the list…There is no substitute for a full-time Dad.  Dads who are fully engaged with their kids overwhelmingly tend to produce children who believe in themselves and live full lives.”
– Tony Dungy – coach, super bowl champion, future NFL Hall of Fame inductee, & DAD

In Proverbs 22:6, Solomon wrote, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Hug ’em often…and Keep It Lit…

T.

“There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.”
– Roger Staubach, NFL Hall of Fame Champion

I was talking with some practice managers in Jacksonville recently about the customer service imperative.  Like every other business, we rely on our customers and need to always remember that they invite us to participate in their care.  And they have options if we don’t make a habit of exceeding their expectations.

I shared an experience from the night before when I tried to order a beverage at the local Bahama Breeze.  Now, most who know me know that my typical beverages are coffee, iced tea, or water – most of the time – but, in this case, I tried to order a Blue Moon.

If you know about Blue Moon, it’s intended to be served ice cold with a fresh orange slice right in the glass.  It’s a great summertime beverage and, in this case, I was hoping it would compliment the end of a long and full day of travel.

Imagine my surprise when our server returned to our table and announced, “Sorry, Sir, but…we’re out of oranges.  What else can I get you?”

Out of oranges?  In Jacksonville, F L O R I D A ???   (Note:  The Great Wiki and others suggest that The Sunshine State produces nearly 70% of the oranges produced in the United States.  Being “out of oranges” in Florida is a bit akin to being “out of country music” in Nashville.)

Somewhat mystified, I may have inquired as to the proximity of the nearest grove, suspecting that someone may answer with “right over there.”  Ultimately, I made an alternative selection and awaited the server’s return.

A bit later, another team member appeared and proudly announced that, in fact, they had located an orange.  He went on to say that his co-worker (our server) didn’t look in the produce cooler, rather, he had seen that they were out of orange slices up front and then “assumed they were out.” He didn’t check the inventory.  Or, as Roger Staubach might say, he didn’t go the extra mile.

While kind of the other team member to “close the deal,” he should have withheld his commentary to preserve the customer relationship.  No need to call out another team member’s laziness.

No big deal, right?  Perhaps.

But here’s the reality.  Everyone at our table got a bit of a chuckle out of the “we’re out of oranges” moment.  As I shared with the managers, though, the real issue is that “the orange” is what we now remember about the experience there.  I suspect that the good folks at Bahama Breeze would prefer that we remember the food, the environment, and the overall service – as those factors are more likely to bring us back again.

As I told the practice managers, the experience in Jacksonville reminded me of a similar but better experience in Indianapolis last December.  We were in Indy for the Titans-Colts game in early December and, although we live in Nashville, were there to root on our beloved Colts.

One of our game-day traditions in Indy is to enjoy the pre-game brunch at Palomino.  My wife and I have been long-time, loyal patrons of Palomino since its opening in the mid-1990s.  Great food; great service – and it’s only about six blocks to Lucas Oil Stadium.

We were sitting down to enjoy brunch with friends when one member of our party ordered one of Palomino’s specialties – a Bloody Mary, with extra olives.

A few minutes later, our server returned with everyone’s beverage order – except the Bloody Mary.  Smiling, he advised that it would be “right out.”

Just a few short minutes later, he returned and presented the recipient with their Bloody Mary and extra olives, yet he was noticeably drenched.  Soaked.  Wet.

Noting that it was pouring down rain outside, I asked him why he was all wet.  He smiled and replied that he had run across Maryland Street – a busy downtown street – to another restaurant.  It seems that Palomino was out of olives, yet he wanted to meet his customer’s expectations and ensure they enjoyed that Bloody Mary – with extra olives, just as they ordered it.  In other words, he took ownership and went the extra mile.

Happy customers tip well.  And they come back.  I can assure you that the drenched, smiling young man at Palomino did well on our table that day – well earned and well deserved.  And we will be back next season to enjoy our pre-game brunch at Palomino…and we’ll look for him and request him specifically, knowing that we can’t go wrong there.

Alternatively, I doubt our team will go out of our way to return to Bahama Breeze during our next trip to Jacksonville.  Not that anything was particularly bad about our experience there – it was a decent meal with great colleagues.  But there’s not much else that’s memorable enough to draw us back there.

And so, I wonder…are we serving oranges?  Or olives?

My hope is that we serve those in our care with the same urgency as the drenched young man with the olives.  If we set their expectations ahead of our own and demand the best for their every visit, we can be sure to establish long and rewarding relationships with them.  And that’s good for everyone involved.

Be well, Friends.  Go the extra mile and enjoy the olives.

T.

There’s little that can’t be found on Wikipedia, that’s for sure.  It’s somewhere between Yoda and your Aunt Edna – measured wisdom, but with an opinion on just about everything.  The Great Wiki, indeed.

When queried about “picket fences,” The Great Wiki notes, “A picket fence, ideally white, is seen by some as a symbol of the ideal middle-class suburban life, with a family and children, large house, and peaceful living…In recent years, some people have associated picket fences with what they regard as the more negative aspects of this lifestyle.”

Recently, a liberal soul who walks without a higher compass suggested to me that “picket fences” is an idealistic view of the world for which the best of times have come and gone.

I don’t think so.

In fact, for our collective benefit, my hope is that the “middle-class suburban life, with a family and children, [large] house, and peaceful living” is still the American dream…and that the dream is alive.

We know this “picket fences” symbolism of  American family life to be part of our fabric since at least the 19th Century.  Even in Mark Twain’s 1876 epic novel about The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, nearly a full chapter is devoted to relationships, entrepreneurialism, and mischief along the faded boards of…yes…a picket fence.

Truth be told, the liberal soul was making an attempt at convicting me for what I hold to be most valuable – home and family.   No doubt, we are more alike than different in our mutual enthusiasm for the pursuit of having “it all” – yet we are a generation and miles apart in what we most value, pursue, and define as ultimately being “it all.”

I’m acutely aware each day that I’m blessed beyond measure.  I often think of Platt’s reminder that households with annual income greater than $50,000 live better than 99% of the world’s population.  I look around and sometimes wonder if I’m dreaming that I’m visiting someone else’s existence – only because life has never been better.  And yet I’m aware that all that we are blessed to have is not ours but, rather, gifts we have been entrusted with so that we may improve the world around us.

My wish and hope is that we can all make the world a better place by building more picket fences.  Ok, maybe not literally – but imagine what we can do if we refocus on “suburban life…family and children…and peaceful living.”

I make no apology for foregoing social moments to be home to gather the family around the dinner table; for “missing” golf to “make” soccer; for drawing a line around Sunday mornings as our family’s time to be together in Sunday school and worship, followed by a meal together.  You see, from our view, we’ve had “it all” all along.  In fact, we had it well before the last promotion or two – our challenge has been to maintain it and protect it from other forms of “success.”

Linda Ellis reminds us that “…it matters not, how much we own…the cars, the house, the cash…What matters is how we live and love…and how we spend our dash.”

I suppose some may find reward in some pursuit of a dash that will be remembered by title – perhaps “Attorney,” “Administrator,” or “Scholarly Educator” – yet I personally find that fairly cold.  As for me, I’d happily settle for “Good Dad; Good Guy.”

So, I say to that soul who convicted me as too “has been” and idealistic:  Thank you for reminding me of how much more important my family is than the misguided, negative influences of the world at large.  I’ll keep my simple view of what’s truly important – as well as my Ford truck, Mellencamp on the radio, a bit of apple pie, and my picket fences.  My hope for you is that you’ll find your compass.

Take a chapter from ol’ Tom Sawyer, y’all.  Get on home and whitewash your picket fence.  I can’t speak to what’s “out there”…but the grass is pretty green on this side.

Peace to you and yours.  Keep it lit.

God bless,

T.

Memorial Day, 2013.

Hot dogs.  Hamburgers.  Ribs.  Pool Parties.  Music.  Baseball.  Indy 500.  Cloaked in the guise of forms of “celebration” –  these, in fact, are acts of the very freedom we enjoy as a result of those we are called to remember.  Even…and especially…our ability to fly the Stars & Stripes – yet another freedom gained and retained thanks to those who have served and fallen.

According to Wikipedia, 1,321,612 Americans have died, 1,531,036 have been wounded, and 38,159 remain missing as a result of their fight for freedom and against tyranny.

And so, I wonder… As we relax and enjoy an elongated weekend…As we “celebrate” and tap our feet to the music while wiping the de-cobbed corn from our chin…As we pour a cold beverage…As we splash in the pool…As we cheer our favorite team or driver on…Do we remember?  Have we remembered sufficiently?

Pause.  Reflect.  Give thanks.

And recall that, as we enjoy this day, there are Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines standing guard even today – so that we may be free.

Finally, may we give thanks and glory to God.  For, it is through Him that we know and enjoy all things…including and especially our greatest freedom.

As our first U.S. President, George Washington noted…“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not be inattentive to the higher duties of religion.  To the distinguished character of Patriot it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”

God bless America.  Never Forget.   Thank you, Veterans.

Peace.

T.

God Bless Boston.
God Bless America.

The acts of terror against Americans and visiting competitors from around the world are inexcusable, unfathomable, and disheartening.

Make no mistake, America will not retreat.

Prayers for all.

Today, we are all Bostonians.  We stand, weep, and pray together.

One of the cool things about Nashville is the music.  And one of the really cool things about the music is the people who make it.  They’re everywhere, and yet they tend to blend in.  More often than not, they’re just part of the crowd – but there, if you pay attention.

Earlier today, I was sitting in line at the local Starbucks drive-thru (yes, shocking to some of you who know me, right?).  Having just left an early morning meeting at a local school, my family was in the car directly behind me.  I guess we all decided to have a morning beverage before heading into our respective occupational and educational destinations of the day.

So, it’s a beautiful Spring morning – worthy of the sunroof being open with the windows down just a bit.  Oh, and a bit of music, of course – Journey’s Greatest Hits.  Unusual only in that, while a fan, I almost always listen to XM63 on the way in each morning.

So, I’m sitting there…listening…enjoying that Spring has sprung…loving the breeze…while one of Journey’s greatest hits rambles along.  I’m probably tapping along…it’s all good, right?  Here I am…in line at Starbucks…Monday is off to a solid start…and I’m thinking about the week.  I’m gonna take the hill.

About that time, one of the founding members of Journey exits the Starbucks and walks right in front of my truck and over to his car.  It matters not which member of Journey it was – no need to compromise his privacy.  The point is, there he was – and I’m listening to his music with my family within reach – and we’re long-time fans.

Was I a bit star-struck?  Maybe for a moment.  I didn’t jump out of the truck or do anything crazy.  But I did regret, for a moment, that I didn’t get the opportunity to tell him how much I appreciate his work.

And yet, throughout the day, I kept coming back to that moment.  Something wasn’t sitting right.  And then it dawned on me.

He’s just a guy who happens to play music well.  Just like each of us are just guys and ladies who happen to do “stuff” well.  What if he had really been someone important?  What if he had been The One Important?  Would I have been so quick to recognize Him and so eager to engage?

In Matthew 6:21, we are taught “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Hmmm.

The fact is, I missed the song.  It wasn’t the self-proclaimed “Greatest Hits” – rather, it was the sun, birds, and morning breeze brought to me – to us – by the most masterful artisan of all.  And yet, I was far from centered on giving thanks.

So, as we go through each of our days and tap along to the soundtrack of life…the chaos, distractions, and all that is blaring…are we aware of the truly great production and our role in it?  And are we giving thanks for the real gifts of the day?  And, when we are right there…in the moment…and have an opportunity to pause before Him…will we (I) be so eager to recognize Him?

The Good News is this.  He’s everywhere – not just Nashville.  Better than XM, He’s always on, has no signal trouble, and it’s a two-way transmission.  24/7/365.  Not sure?  Listen for the whisper.

While I may have enjoyed telling that well-known musician how much I appreciated his work, that’s really not necessary.

I’m better off focusing on His work in me and my work through Him – and giving thanks and glory to God from whom all blessings flow.  Each day I can find the Good News in the moment at hand is a truly great day…better than Starbucks on a Monday morning.

Don’t Stop Believin’.

Peace,

T.

Remembering a friend today…and the dear ones he left behind.  How fitting that today – St. Patrick’s Day – would also have been EZ’s birthday. 

He lived this life as if each day were a fun new limerick – adding his own twist or two and comical flair to the conundrums others found so routine. 

He left behind a bride of many years and a beautiful daughter – his legacy.

For each of us who received the gift of knowing him, his lesson is this:
Take life not too seriously, rather, find the zest of today. 

And so, it only seems fitting to share a couple of great Irish blessings for EZ and those who loved him.

For EZ:

And for his family:

Here’s to EZ – Godspeed, Friend!  Cheers, Y’all…

T.

If you haven’t read Steve Farber’s “The Radical Leap Re-Energized” – what are you waiting for?

Steve’s writing is interesting.  In a rather non-traditional format, he delivers spot-on leadership principles that can (and should) be applied to daily life.  I first read his work a few years ago and was so moved and inspired that I reached out to him.  Today I consider it a blessing to call Steve a friend.

Earlier this week, I received one of Steve’s emails about some of his latest work.  He included a link to his own blog and encouraged all of us fortunate to be receiving his message to check out an embedded video featuring Tommy Spaulding at one of Steve’s recent conferences.  I won’t spoil the story for you, as I truly hope you’ll invest the time to view it on your own – it’s worth every moment.  Take a look…here’s the link:

http://www.stevefarber.com/blog/2013/02/11/a-greater-than-yourself-legacy/

I’m struck by the intimacy and honesty of Tommy’s story.  If we received that call, how would we react?  Would our preconceived notions prevent us from a lives-changing experience?

Indeed, we are all so incredibly blessed and fortunate.  And yet, with more, we can do more.  Farber pegs it when he says, “Pay up by passing forward.”

As Tommy notes in his message, everyone deserves a second chance.  He goes on to observe that “Redemption is the most beautiful form of love.”  (No doubt!)  And he reminds us that, regardless of the past, “You are forgiven.  (Amen!)

Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross may as well have been speaking of Ethan when she said, “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.  These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.  Beautiful people do not just happen.”

So, Friends…are we paying it forward?  And, if so, are we doing so with sufficient vigor?  To me, the very premise of Farber’s “GTY” carries a boldness that betters us all for sake of being confronted with it:
That is…What is your legacy?  And, is it Greater Than Yourself?

Get busy.  “Beautiful people do not just happen.”

pay UP!

Keep it Lit.

Peace,

T.

This little parable was once passed to me by a great friend.  It reminds me of some guys who continue to do some very important work in Central Virginia…

It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preacher’s visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace…and waited.

The preacher made himself at home but said nothing . In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone, then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

The host watched all this in quiet contemplation.. As the one lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, ‘Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday.’

The men I referred to maintain a firewood ministry that serves families in need across Chesterfield County and Powhatan County, Virginia.  They split dontated wood with borrowed, rented, and donated tools so they can stack, dry, and store the wood on donated land while awaiting the next call for help.

In recent years, they’ve regularly delivered wood to the homes of 15-16 families – providing them with their only source of fuel for basic heat and, in some cases, the ability to cook a hot meal.

I had the privilege of being part of the firewood ministry team when we lived nearby.  And, while I’m not still with them in person, not a chilly winter morning passes without thoughts of their kind and most necessary work – and I smile.

We are indeed so very privileged.  If you are reading this, YOU are most certainly among those of us who are privileged, as you would not otherwise have access to technology allowing you to “surf” the world-wide web.  It could be so much worse.

I am reminded of one sweet couple I met during a firewood delivery.  They lived in a small and tenuous single-story home that looked like it was barely holding together.  They had broken down cardboard boxes and taped them to the inside of their windows with packing tape – not for privacy but, rather, to create one additional layer of “insulation” against the wind and cold that leaked around the edges of each window frame.

They told us that they live on less than $630 of Social Security monthly.  They had no phone and said that, at $4 per gallon, they could not afford to drive their very modest vehicle.  And so, they asked that we check on them mid-winter, as they would otherwise have to consider walking quite a long way to be able to ask for help, should they need more wood.

Ironically, a very fashionable neighborhood was less than a half-mile away.  Just over a small ridge and through a narrow band of woods, there was a neighborhood of well-healed homes presumably filled with people comfortable in the warmth of their furnace and the various goodies and treats of their pantries.

Folks, these are not issues of politics or personal opinion, as they are simply issues of humanity.  I believe it is our collective imperative for all to oppose and defeat hunger and cold. 

And so, when you hear me say “Keep It Lit”, know that I’m thinking of the parable of the pastor’s ember – and of the firewood ministry. 

In the rush of life in general, stop and take inventory.  Who is among you, but is missed?  Feed the hungry.  Warm the cold.

Keep It Lit.

Peace,

T.

On December 31st, I wrote about “2013 Acts…”.

Then in the jet-wash of a horrific national tragedy, some had suggested that we commit “26 Acts” of random kindness in remembrance of those lost.  I submitted that, perhaps, we could go beyond 26 and develop a habitual commitment to service and random kindness toward others.

And so, it’s now 59 days later.  With the closing of February and the turning of the proverbial page into March, roughly 17% of 2013 is in the history books.  And I wonder…

Did each of us make it to 26?  How many of us have gone beyond?  Do we have any new “habits”?

Food for thought.

Peace,

TJ