Categories
holiday

Christmas Chaos

Cartoon of Santa chasing a sleigh full of mischievous elves

When I drew this cartoon, I thought of what would happen if the song, Sleighride, resulted in Christmas chaos at the North Pole? What if the elves decided it was their turn to take a sleigh ride with eight tiny reindeer? And what if Santa wasn’t in on the escapade?

How does Santa Claus keep the elves in line anyway? In the course of all the millennia that Santa has been operating, surely there was at least a couple of times the elves got a bit out of control!

Unforeseen circumstances can lead to a little Christmas chaos. Things can quickly spiral out of control. This year, we continue to have pandemic problems, supply chain issues, and unreliable store hours due to a worker shortage. It’s enough to make you wonder if a bunch of mischievous elves would be considered the least of our worries!

Hang in there, people! There are only two weeks until it all settles and we have an opportunity to relax around the Christmas tree with friends and family. In the meantime, if there are some elves nearby, I wouldn’t leave your keys in the car.

Cartoon of Santa chasing a sleigh full of mischievous elves
Categories
wisdom

Prudence and Wisdom

Prudence and Wisdom

The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.

Proverbs 14:8

Prudence has come to mean something totally different in our culture. A prude is considered a killjoy that never has any fun. If you have a balloon, the prude will pop it. If there is any excitement, our culture believes a prudent person will quash it.

We idolize the startup that will “move fast and break things.” The minimal viable product is considered the best way to get something to market without it getting bogged down in experimentation, consideration, and tweaking. And sometimes that is a great way to move.

But there are other times when prudence is needed. Moving fast without planning can hurt. The story of Theranos and the ensuing trial shows what can happen when one moves too fast without a real plan or product that actually works.

The True Definition of Prudence

Prudence is less about being a killjoy and more about using planning, good judgment, and careful consideration in any venture. We need to have a plan before forging ahead. Moving fast doesn’t work if we are going in the wrong direction.

Prudence is taking caution and considering the outcomes. It is seeking and implementing advice where warranted. Just as there is such a thing as being too cautious, it is also possible to be too impulsive and spontaneous.

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Proverbs 22:3

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Let’s use a little prudence in business and life.

Categories
family

Remembering a Relative on Pearl Harbor Day

Remembering a relative on Pearl Harbor Day

On this day, eighty years ago, The United States entered World War II when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. So today, I want to remember Pearl Harbor and a relative who perished in the attack; Fred Hunter Boyer.

Honestly, three days ago, I didn’t know he existed. As I child, I wondered if we would have had relatives who fought in World War II. My grandfathers weren’t drafted but stayed on the homefront. So it seemed that came to a dead-end fairly quickly.

However, I had not looked into possible cousins. I subscribe to FamilySearch.org. I received an email on Sunday that announced the discovery. I had a second cousin, once removed that perished on the USS West Virginia. He was twenty-two.

Relative Died at Pearl Harbor
Email announcement from FamilySearch.org

I wonder what his parents went through? Did his community rally around them? We had a common cause and hostile enemies in Europe and Asia. It’s hard to imagine what the mood of the country was in light of today’s challenges.

Fred Boyer Obituary
Fred Boyer Obituary

Today, I am thankful for the men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom. And I am especially thankful for a cousin and his family that paid a great price on that day that would live in infamy.

Categories
morning people motivation

Good Morning!… Or Is It?

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” Marcus Aurelius

The other day, I had a busy morning ahead of me. Then again, most mornings are busy! A coworker came into my office and I said, “Good morning!”

The coworker isn’t always the most chipper guy. He replied with a dour, “Is it?”

I smiled and thought of the reasons why it was a good morning. So I replied with, “Yes!” That didn’t convince him. And it’s okay. I have come to the conclusion how we start our day sets the tone for the rest of the day. A quote by Marcus Aurelius drove this home to me.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

Marcus Aurelius Via BrainyQuote.com

It is too easy to take for granted that each morning belongs to us. It does not! We are not entitled to one more day on this earth any more than we are entitled to a comfortable, trouble-free life. Each day is a gift. Each breath, thought and loving gesture is a present to enjoy.

Creatives and Mornings

Creative employees can be notorious for making it clear they are not morning people. They shuffle in with a sour look on their face and implore everyone not to talk to them until at least 10:00 AM. The classic battle between night owls and early birds plays out in most offices across the world.

However, I ask you to consider this: what would mornings look like if we began each one with gratitude? What if we consider how blessed we are that we have one more day?

Some days can be a challenge for that frame of thinking. As I write this, it is a rainy Monday. I know the day will begin for me with some hot deadlines and challenges. Yet, I am thankful for one more breath and a day to think, enjoy and love. Today is a good morning!

Categories
Christmas holiday

The second Sunday of Advent is About Peace

Advent Candles

Peace is something all of us would like, yet is in short supply. We would like peace with others as well as inner peace. If people would just see things our way, then there would be peace in the world, right?

We like what the angels sang to the shepherds. It sounds like music to the ears when we hear:

“…on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Luke 2:14 (KJV) Via BibleGateway.com

When I’ve done personality tests, most of them show I lean towards being a peacemaker. I like to get people working together, especially if they aren’t used to doing so. But I’ve come to realize the phrase, peace at any cost, is no peace at all.

Yes, we all desire peace. True peace brings wholeness and reconciliation. A false peace that only appeases and doesn’t bring wholeness leaves everyone empty. It doesn’t last for long.

May you find peace, both within and with others this holiday season. May it be a true peace that brings wholeness, rest and reconcilation.