Reflections

You are needed now!

Within and around our families, our nations, and our world, too often can be found expanding decadence, an abundance of needless suffering, a shortage of hope, and a hunger for quality leadership. To be sure, solid leadership and lives of high standard are still on display daily, even among our youth; however, I feel they are becoming more the exception than the rule. Perhaps I am not alone with this foreboding feeling. Perhaps more than a few readers agree with me that, in spite of valiant efforts and shining lights in some areas, our trajectory is perilous and our steps on the way of excellence are burdened by the sheer numbers of people who see or accept things differently. I appreciate the hopeful guidance for life offered to young folks by author, speaker, and chess champion Orrin C. Hudson: “Heads up, pants up, grades up, and never give up.” There is something in Mr. Hudson’s words for all of us.

God’s plan for restoration includes both you and me. It starts with each of us individually. Our own houses must be in order. From within, restoration must find traction and build momentum. It must expand into our circles of influence and snowball. You and I must positively affect our families, friends, loved ones, and those in our communities as my dad and this crew have done for me. No one else can do our proverbial push-ups. No one else can be expected to apply and to teach the lessons that have been delivered to us. They are ours to manage, ours to build upon and convey.

“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12:48)

We have been entrusted with much. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to our grandchildren to deliver our very best. A renewed focus on, and commitment to, biblical wisdom and character-based action is needed, a focus and commitment as found in the stories you will soon read. It is a focus and commitment that loves and considers neighbor just as much as self. Dad’s translation of the Golden Rule from the seventh chapter of Matthew’s Gospel is the cornerstone. This guidance I’ve heard thousands of times in my youth. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” —Dad

Thank you for reading my simple book, for reflecting on the blessings and the blessed in your own life, and for doing your part to influence and serve those around you with grit, mettle, and excellence. As I embark, I am reminded of two thoughts that might prove helpful.

First, in his thick Austrian accent while delivering one of his numerous speeches on success, Arnold Schwarzenegger once challenged his listeners to think deeply about their lives and trajectories: “Who do you want to be? Not what, but who?” Mr. Schwarzenegger was not asking his listeners what career they wanted to pursue or whom they idolized. Rather, he was inviting them to search the recesses of their souls, to decide what type of person they longed to be. He was asking what their actions and their lives should stand for, what legacy they wished to leave behind. Mr. Schwarzenegger’s question bears repeating and thoughtful consideration as we are needled to attention by these reflections and lessons. Who do you want to be?

Finally, this oft repeated guidance from Dad casts me off: “Son, if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right. Do your best.”