Lows and Highs

After a week off, I came back to work and received what I considered to be a mediocre job evaluation. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't what you want to get when you do all you can to make a difference in your office. It's the kind of thing when you question why you are working so hard; does it really matter; should you do less since you won't get the accolades anyway. That my friends was me with a bad attitude, feeling sorry for myself and wanting my ego stroked.

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace...,make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

It's not about me, but about what He has placed me here to do. If what I do makes a positive difference for others, then I will be have peace.

My highs this week came from my kids as I celebrated their successes. My daughter was accepted into a charter middle school that specializes in science, technology and art. My son was named Cadet of the Quarter for the local Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron. It's not hard to see that my job is something to do, not who I am.

Traveling

I spent 5 days in Biloxi, MS last week at a conference. It was held at the Beau Rivage. Until I arrived, I didn't realize how truly spoiled I was when it came to non-smoking restaurants in my area. As soon as I walked into the hotel, smoke surrounded me. It was noxious for someone who had only caught an occasional whiff for decades. Even dining, it was strange to hear that old question, 'Smoking or Non-smoking?'

Psalm 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who send him. 

On our last day, we had 4 hours to spend before heading to the airport. After 4 days of smoke in our eyes, my friend and I didn't want to be lazy and hang out at the hotel so we walked out on the Biloxi Lighthouse Pier. Conversation turned to food and we remembered a BBQ place we had seen from the taxi as we came into Biloxi. After a quick Google search, we discovered it was about 3 miles away. Hmmm. An hour to walk, an hour to eat, an hour to walk back. Doable. Crazy, but doable. An hour later we arrived at the Slap Yo Momma BBQ more than ready to eat. Yes, it was good, however not quite 6 miles good. Either way, it was a great adventure and something we will always remember about the trip.

An American Hero

Heroes come in all sizes and can be from all walks of life. Last Sunday a military hero made the ultimate sacrifice. His name was Chief Special Warfare Operator William 'Ryan' Owens, a U.S. Navy Seal of the elite Seal Team 6. He died during a raid in Yemen in the midst of a two hour gun battle. For 18 years he served our country and this was his 12th deployment. He was a husband and father. He was 36 years old.

I never met Ryan and my connection to him is minuscule. However, when I saw his photo I recognized him from a collection of photographs and memorabilia I had gathered from a local estate auction a few years ago. I purchased all of the photo frames and various boxes in the house that belonged to Ryan's mom. As I removed photos, I realized that I had his entire life, from him as a baby  to graduation to enlistment to marriage to his own babies, displayed in my hands. I couldn't toss the memories that his mom treasured, but I didn't know his name. I sorted photos, read his letters from basic training, and found clues to his identity. The unusual spelling of his wife's name led me to the Internet.

I found a phone number for the only match in the U.S. with their names. I called the Virginia Beach number and left a message. Ryan called back and after a brief conversation, we concluded that these were from his mom's estate. He gave me an address and I mailed the package. I never heard from him again and soon put the memory away. I had no idea he was a Navy Seal, nor did I realize I would ever see another photo of him.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

It breaks my heart to know he is gone, but I am honored that I perhaps gave him the means to see again how much his mom loved him.