Categories
cartoon gag cartoon School Cartoons single panel cartoon technology cartoons

Call from Mom

It’s a good thing I didn’t have a cell phone in school. Would I have received a call from Mom? Probably not. But I most likely would have been calling for a lifeline every few minutes.

Cartoon of a boy and a teacher. The boy says, "I'll answer that in a second. But first, let me take this call from Mom."

Today, can you really trust if it’s your mom calling you? Scammers can mask any number and make it appears it is coming from your loved one. If your mother is calling to ask for your social security number, it’s probably a good sign that the person on the other line is a scammer. The deep, bass voice may be a giveaway too.

Categories
motivation

A Lesson on Timing and a Morning Run

It was my second day running in a new environment. The humidity was as thick as molasses. I ran past several dog walkers, an occasional fellow jogger, and an intrepid walker wearing a mask. Some waved. Others made sure not to make eye contact. 

The sun was rising. It was a great start to the day. I got some great photos of local flowers. It was much different from the day before. 

Yesterday

  • I ventured out two hours later
  • The sun was blistering hot
  • The road was busy with speeding commuters
  • I ran out of water within two miles
  • The end of the run couldn’t come soon enough

Today

  • The clouds displayed pink and orange hues
  • I didn’t feel the effects of the sun
  • It was easier to find the flowers
  • I ran two miles further
  • I felt I could go another two miles

I had plenty of excuses the day before to wait.

  • My daughter was going to work and she needed the bathroom
  • My wife and I drove through the night to reach our destination
  • My running shoes were tucked somewhere it the luggage and I didn’t want to make a ruckus while my wife slept
  • I hadn’t figured out my route

My hesitation made for an unpleasant run. I was glad when it was over. The next day, I was glad I got out early and was ready for more. It was a great reminder for me that procrastination just makes a any task harder. It can even make an enjoyable activity more difficult.

Will I need another reminder of this in the future? Of course I will! Our feelings betray us many times. And there are times when it is okay to relax and not feel the pressure of getting out there. Still, if there is something I know I need to do, this day will be a great reminder for me.

What are you putting off that is only making a task more difficult? I urge you to take the reins and put yourself in control instead of letting your feelings make you miserable before and after a task.

Three Florida Flowers
Categories
children's ministry children's ministry cartoons K! Magazine Kidzmatter Magazine Magazine

Have You Ever Regretted Your Timing?

When I lead a large group of kids on a Sunday morning, there is a huge difference between the first and second hours.

The first hour brings in the zombie kids. They may or may not realize where they are. Some of their shoes are untied. The eyelids are half-opened. You may see a little drool at the corner of their mouths. Some are able to muster the strength to participate in the game or song.

The second hour brings in the kids that have had a chance to digest their breakfast. Their small group leaders probably gave them a treat. Yes, they have a little jump in their step. They are hyped and ready to go. The sugar has kicked in.

Timing can be really important whether you are teaching kids or have a presentation in front of a group. For adults, mornings may be the best time while you need to avoid the time just after lunch. For kids, mid-morning may be the best time to get your lesson across.

Have you ever had a time where you realized the timing of your lesson or presentation was off? Share your experience and what you learned from it in the comments.

Cartoon of a teacher watching hyper kids. The caption reads, "Eric was SO close to get a spiritual truth across... then the sugary snacks kicked in."
Previously published in K! Kidzmatter Magazine