I struggled to find a relevant topic for today.  After starting a new job and looking to create value quickly, my discretionary time has evaporated.  Conversely, the content to extract inspiration is overwhelming.  Throw in the holiday preparation and decoration, the deliberate effort to enjoy the journey rather than succumb to the tyranny of the urgent and voila! you have one confounded author.

Through a series of events, some at my hand and some out of my control, I took a sabbatical in 2019.  This gave me pause, a chance to reflect, and to untie some knots in my rope.

https://youtu.be/-1bTe54j6PQ

I spent the first 53 years of my life scouring the landscape for purpose…my one thing.  I wore myself out.  Along the way, I learned a lot, made a living, and was blessed with a wife, three children, one grandson (to date) and a host of memories and experiences.

“There’s nuthin’ like bringin’ in the herd”

I derive great joy out of accomplishment.  Look what I did in an “aren’t you proud of me, Mom and Dad?” sort of way.  We all have those feelings, most of us choose to stuff ‘em deeper when they crawl up our throat.  However, I have continued to struggle with keeping my priorities straight; God, family, work, me, others.  Probably because they are not linear or two dimensional.  Each looks at those priorities differently and complicates them with our own justifications.

I don’t know what your one thing is.  That’s for you to find out, Curly says.  I’m working on mine now.  I’m through with my peek at retirement and I’ve recalibrated to complete my own personal cattle drive.

I hope you take the time to reflect, whether for six months or six hours this weekend or six minutes a day.  Put your phone down, close your eyes, meditate, pray, and take a deep breath before jumping back on your horse.

Have a blessed weekend!