Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

Some people are prone to find wrong with everything. Thus the saying, “He’d bitch about being hung with a new rope.” There’s a little tension or dose of reality in the phrase because…shit happens…and most people do not naturally take it in stride.

I’ve been fully engaged with the NBA this year and our Timberwolves are fun to watch right now. Current opposing team, the Denver Nuggets, have a multi-year MVP who is tough to win against. Shaquille O’Neal, a former pro basketball player, successful businessman and sportscaster interviewed Nikola Jokic recently and grilled him for his most recent MVP title saying he should feel bad that his stats didn’t match up to others. Jokic took it in stride, praised his fellow nominees and looked forward to proving he was worthy of the title by playing great basketball. He didn’t strike back at Shaq, he didn’t throw a fit or complain, he’s playing the long game and he shrugged it off. (Let me be clear, I hope the Wolves win on Sunday but you can’t ignore the professionalism exhibited in the story above).

Gratitude is not naïveté. You can be thankful for adversity. You can see past the shit and realize you’re being given the gift of perspective. If everything went your way you’d think you deserved it all or you earned it and eventually wouldn’t know how to handle defeat gracefully, if at all.

Lift your head up for a minute. Breathe. Look around. Relax. Gain perspective. Reserve judgement. Count your blessings. Help others. Forgive those who mistreated you. Rise above the noise, the cynicism and the bullshit. Chart your course and set sail again.

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric

Good morning, Team! It’s Thursday afternoon Friday! Tomorrow morning is stacked…

If ever there was something that should improve with age, it is self-control. Typically not because we mature as we grow older but because we learn from our mistakes.

“When I was a chid, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

Blurting out the first thing that pops into your head, questioning authority and making poor choices all have negative consequences. Being patient, understanding and assuming noble intent are products of self-control…a better path.

Your confidence level in recognizing there is a bigger plan and that snap judgements, impetuous behavior and self-serving actions are detrimental to a whole lot more than just your world is part of becoming an adult and embracing self-control.

Referring to all the fruits of the Spirit,

“Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:23

This ends the series about good choices we should all be focusing on. There are so many distractions in our life and if you aspire to be happier, healthier and attract more “flies”, stick to the positives and let the negatives dissipate in the wind and burn off in the sun.

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric

Good Morning, Team! It’s Friday!

As we work through fruits of the spirit, gentleness is the next to last stop.

Gentleness is a quality characterized by kindness, tenderness, and empathy towards others. It involves treating others with sensitivity, patience, and compassion, often expressed through soft words, gestures, and actions.

My world growing up had few examples of gentleness. Life was very straightforward and there was little room for coddling or sensitivities. As a family business driven by an ex-military patriarch, we were results-oriented with clear direction and daily “marching orders”.

So what do I know about gentleness?

As a son, husband, father, grandfather, and over time an empathic leader, I was exposed to a variety of behaviors and styles and found that, as the old saying goes, “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar”. Meaning, it is best to seek to understand before asking to be understood. If you don’t know what someone is dealing with, you aren’t going to get their best. Thus, being empathic, understanding, and compassionate is not just the right thing to do as a human, it’s also the most efficient way to get your point across.

I’ll close with the line from a former pastor, “As you go out into the world this week, be gentle, because everyone is fighting a battle of some kind.”

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric

Good afternoon, Team! It’s Friday!

Faithfulness is the steadfast loyalty, trustworthiness, and commitment to someone or something, especially in relationships or duties. It involves consistency, reliability, and dedication over time.

On being trustworthy…researcher Robert M Kramer writes,

“Human beings are naturally predisposed to trust-it’s in our genes and our childhood learning-and by and large it’s a survival mechanism that has served our species well. That said, our willingness to trust often gets us into trouble. Moreover, we sometimes have difficulty distinguishing trustworthy people from untrustworthy ones. At a species level, that doesn’t matter very much so long as more people are trustworthy than not. At the individual level, though, it can best be a real problem.”

In duties-let’s say you are in a leadership position where people put their trust in you to do the right thing for the organization you are there to lead, manage or govern. Being faithful to the company means putting your own preferences, interests and desires on the back burner. In my experience this is an area where many fall short of being faithful to the right thing. The order seems to get mixed up. If you are faithful to the company, you might get rewarded for your efforts but that is a risk you gladly take. If you are faithful to yourself and put your own preferences in front of the company, you might get by for a while … but selfishness before faithfulness will catch up to those who think no one is the wiser. It might take time, but it will happen.

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric

Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

Goodness remains an essential pillar of society, perhaps even more so in a world grappling with complex challenges and social divides. In the midst of technological advancements and rapid globalization, the need for goodness—manifested through compassion, empathy, and ethical conduct—becomes increasingly evident.

In today’s interconnected world, goodness serves as a unifying force, bridging cultural, religious, and ideological differences. It fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging individuals to recognize and respect the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. In a society marked by diversity, goodness promotes inclusivity and celebrates the richness of human experience.

Moreover, goodness plays a crucial role in addressing pressing societal issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. It inspires individuals and communities to take action, whether through volunteerism, activism, or advocacy, to uplift the marginalized and promote justice and sustainability.

In the digital age, goodness extends to our online interactions, where kindness and civility are often overshadowed by anonymity and polarization. Embracing goodness in the digital realm means fostering constructive dialogue, combating misinformation, and using technology as a tool for positive change and connection rather than division.

Goodness in 2024 involves holding institutions and leaders accountable for their actions and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of all members of society, especially the most vulnerable.

It might be tempting to equate goodness with naïveté since cynicism and sarcasm and bashing and character assassination are so rampant and tolerated today. Goodness in today’s society is not a relic of the past but a timeless principle that remains as relevant and vital as ever. It serves as a guiding light in navigating the complexities of the modern world, inspiring individuals to strive for a more compassionate, just, and sustainable future for all.

Choosing to model goodness will not be easy and won’t stack up with getting ahead with less-than-noble intent in the short term but it is the right thing for now and even more clearly when you reflect back on which road you took.

Look for ways to spread some goodness today.

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric

Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, kindness stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the darkness with its gentle warmth. It is the currency of compassion, transcending barriers of culture, language, and belief. Kindness is not merely a virtue; it is a transformative force that has the power to shape lives and communities.

At its core, kindness is about empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It manifests in simple acts: a smile, a helping hand, a word of encouragement. These seemingly small gestures can have a profound impact, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond their initial occurrence.

Consider the story of a stranger offering their seat on a crowded bus to someone in need. This act of kindness not only provides physical comfort but also fosters a sense of connection and solidarity among strangers. The recipient, touched by this gesture, may be inspired to pay it forward, spreading kindness to others in their own way. Thus, a single act sets off a chain reaction of goodwill, touching countless lives along the way.

Kindness has tangible benefits for both the giver and the receiver. Research has shown that acts of kindness trigger the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” promoting feelings of trust and bonding. Additionally, practicing kindness has been linked to improved mental and physical well-being, reducing stress and boosting overall happiness.

In a society that often values individual success above all else, kindness serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness. It reminds us that we are all part of a larger community, where our actions have the potential to uplift or diminish those around us. By cultivating a culture of kindness, we create a more compassionate and inclusive world, where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected.

Kindness is not merely a nicety but a necessity – a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember the profound impact of our words and actions. By embracing kindness in our daily lives, we have the power to spark positive change and make the world a better place for all.

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric

Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

Different bible translations use different words but as we continue to review the fruits of the spirit, whether forbearance, long suffering or patience, this is one area I struggle mightily with. I am personally more closely related with a sense of urgency, a desire to get it done well within self-imposed time frames. This blog is a message to myself.

Patience, often considered a virtue, is a quality that seems to be in short supply in today’s fast-paced world. In a society driven by instant gratification and quick results, the art of waiting calmly and enduring difficulties with resilience has become somewhat of a lost skill.

However, patience remains as relevant and essential as ever, serving as a guiding light through life’s trials and tribulations. At its core, patience is the ability to tolerate delay, adversity, or frustration without becoming upset or agitated. It involves maintaining composure and perseverance in the face of challenges, understanding that some things simply take time to unfold.

Patience is not passivity; rather, it is a proactive stance that empowers individuals to stay focused on their goals while navigating the inevitable obstacles along the way.

One of the most profound aspects of patience is its role in fostering personal growth and development. By learning to wait for the right opportunities and to persist in the face of setbacks, individuals cultivate resilience and inner strength. They develop the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and to weather the storms that life may throw their way.

In essence, patience enables individuals to build the mental fortitude necessary to thrive in an unpredictable world. Moreover, patience enhances relationships by fostering understanding, empathy, and compassion. In a world where communication often moves at breakneck speed, taking the time to listen attentively and empathize with others’ perspectives can strengthen bonds and build trust. Patience allows individuals to navigate conflicts with grace and diplomacy, resolving differences with mutual respect and understanding.

In today’s hyper-connected world, the allure of instant gratification can be particularly seductive. However, it is important to recognize that true fulfillment often comes from the journey itself rather than the destination. Cultivating patience allows individuals to savor each moment, to appreciate the process of growth and discovery, and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Practicing patience requires conscious effort and mindfulness. It involves pausing to take a deep breath in moments of frustration, reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, and embracing uncertainty with an open heart. It is a lifelong practice that requires commitment and dedication, but the rewards are immeasurable.

In conclusion, patience is not merely a virtue; it is a guiding principle that can transform the way we navigate life’s journey. By cultivating patience, we empower ourselves to face challenges with resilience, to nurture meaningful relationships, and to find fulfillment in the present moment. As we embrace the power of patience, we unlock the door to a life of greater peace, purpose, and fulfillment. Who doesn’t want that?

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric

Good Morning, Team! It’s Tuesday!

I hope your Easter was enjoyable.

I was given the building blocks pictured above from my mother a number of years ago. Like every mother, mine wants what is best for her children. My sense of urgency, restlessness and drive…have not always served me well or been translated with the most noble intent. That is code for I can make people uncomfortable without even trying, which is not my desire, so if I can chill out (find peace) more often, I can influence rather than inadvertently intimidate.

Under each block is a passage. See below:

•You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 26:3

•Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege, where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

Romans 5:1-2

•Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God who calls you, is faithful: he will do this.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

•I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27

I think of peace in the context of “peace and quiet”. A low heart rate, no random, worrisome thoughts running through my head, no tension, no strife, no barriers to taking a nap in the middle of the day. Being content that you have served some purpose or knowing you are good enough, at least for the time being.

Have a blessed week!

Eric

Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

Pure, unadulterated joy for me is demonstrated best by a young child who discovers something, like ice cream, for the first time.

Fortunate for all of us, joy is found in many other areas of our life as quoted below:

Consistent with last weeks message on Love,

The greatest joy in life is the experience of sharing love.

-Dr. Margaret Paul

Service

“Well, your greatest joy definitely comes from doing something for another, especially when it was done with no thought of something in return.”

-John Wooden

Purpose

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”

-George Bernard Shaw

Duress

James 1:2-3 NIV says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

The source

“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them. They are not a sort of prize which God could, if He chose, just hand out to anyone.”

-CS Lewis

Joy is all around us; wonder, beauty, discovery, God. Similar to our attitude each morning when we wake, we have to choose it! I could fill a daily blog with rants about everything that has happened to me in life that felt unfair and unjust…it’s a broken world and frankly we all could. Two certain things would come out of that. One, I’d remain stuck looking backwards with unrealistic expectations that dwelling on the negative would somehow make things better. Two, you’d stop reading the blog by the second or third day because no one wants to listen to “a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”

We live in a world where we get to choose so many things in life.

Choose JOY!

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric

Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

What is love?

I’ve been reading and researching to better understand what I used to believe was a simple explanation to an emotion we all feel (or hope to feel) regularly.

Some of the research is captured below:

“We are never so vulnerable as when we love.” Sigmund Freud

In her book, Daring Greatly, Brené Brown describes vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” It’s that unstable feeling we get when we step out of our comfort zone or do something that forces us to loosen control.

Dr. Sue Johnson writes in Hold Me Tight, that love is “the pinnacle of evolution, the most compelling survival mechanism of the human species. Not because it induces us to mate and reproduce. We do manage to mate without love! But because love drives us to bond emotionally with a precious few others who offer us safe haven from the storms of life. Love is our bulwark, designed to provide emotional protection so we can cope with the ups and downs of existence.”

Simon Sinek recently posted “best definition of love I’ve ever heard: Love is giving someone the power to destroy you and trusting they won’t use it.”

So it seems then, you know you are in love when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, bond emotionally to survive the volatility of a broken world, and trust your partner implicitly. Not a warm and fuzzy description but…honest and gritty.

By now you’re asking yourself why this topic and why now?

•The blog has been my backup when I’m not regularly communicating on another platform. “Musings” were the way one former coworker described them.

•After a lengthy hiatus, my career journey brought me back to this place where I pontificate, share, smack the reader over the head one message and whisper in their subconscious the next.

•”Precious few” as Dr Johnson writes, become more obvious with adversity. I elected to dig into the why behind those who stand by when most are silent or have been posing when convenient but withdraw when needed. However cynical this may sound, if trust is the ultimate relationship currency, most don’t seem to be able to distinguish between certified and counterfeit vouchers.

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric