Brief Moments

     A number of years ago I belonged to Lakeshore Rotary.   The growth in my business and service on other boards led me in different directions with limited time so I had to resign. The mentorship from many servant leaders during that period helped shape who I am today, profoundly.      Rotarians world wide believe in "Service above Self."  So do millions of other human beings who aren't members of any service organization.  Rotary, Lions, Masons and many other networking clubs with higher purposes  have accomplished amazing life change in this world, but struggle in this era with membership growth.    My sons have grown up watching their father serve in many ways; in church, community; family and more.  My wife and I have rarely had a period during our 23 year marriage that someone we know, going through divorce or some other crisis hasn't lived with us.   There was five years where we es...

     Last fall I was having a conversation at church with a friend who had recently gone through a divorce and discussing some of the difficulties we were facing as a family.  He responded with "but don't you deserve to be happy?"  To which I chuckled.   Tell me where in the bible, or whichever philosophy/theology you ascribe to, where happiness is promised?  The U.S. Constitution?  That reads "pursuit of happiness", not a guarantee of achieving it.      Counting on a spouse or any other human being for one's  happiness or "joy" seems to me to be a recipe for disappointment and failure.  As with yesterday's post, I don't know any perfect humans. So honestly, when a team member or family member fails my expectations, I don't get angry, because a) everyone makes mistakes, and b) I probably didn't clearly communicate or provide the tools necessary for them to succeed.      My joy comes fr...