Publisher's Perspective

The word “respect” has really been popping up a lot lately in the media, conversation and even at church recently, which, of course, means I’ve been pondering the term some in relation to this. As it seems, the demand for respect has started becoming more prevalent, yet the actions that I would deem respectable in their own right, seem a little less so. Then I really got to thinking; maybe I’ve been looking too hard.

If you’re reading this right now, you are probably aware that there is a quite a bit going on within our country today. Since I’m not one to go on about bad stuff, hop on the rhetoric wagon or throw folks under the bus, there really isn’t any need to list specifics. On occasion, I admit that I might slip up, take a side or voice an opinion based on how the past has formed my view of a particular, random event or happening in the world around me. It happens. It’s life.

“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” — George S. Patton

Sometimes we find ourselves burdened with worry and feel like we are walking about with a dark cloud bearing down on us, feeling the pressure of an impending storm. We’ve all been there. We’re often challenged by an obligation, oppression or something else we perceive as ominous. We find ourselves drenched in worry, paralyzed with inaction, at the edge of fear, dizzied and confused.

There’s a certain aspect of our character that I believe reigns high above in regards to not only personal relationships but to business dealings as well. One thing we all look for in a relationship of any kind is support. Support stems from the trait of firm and solid loyalty. An unwavering loyalty is one thing I’ve always admired as something that is not only difficult to find in others, but may be equally as challenging to discover within ourselves.

After several years of vacationing locally, I was blessed last month with an opportunity to hop on a plane seeking new adventures and visit a little island in the south Caribbean for some scuba diving. A small group of students, wide-eyed with enthusiasm, had studied new skills; got ahead at work and made plans at home; in preparation to be away in a foreign land. None of us on the trip had been there before and what we found there makes each of us look forward to our return.

Has anyone noticed recently a decline in the quantity of drama since the last time you checked? I must say that I’ve found a little hope since I quit making marks on yesterday’s calendar. It’s come to my attention that the day flows better when it starts fresh, clean and new. Waking up may not be the favorite part of your day, but we all do if we’re inclined to and allowed the opportunity. We may or may not wake to fortune, good looks or fame, but we all wake by grace — we awaken to a new beginning and a new set of circumstances that no doubt fall into place.

Spring is right around the corner and many of us are starting to wonder how to spend our warm and sunny days. Of course, just because of the change of season; that doesn’t mean we will have more actual “time” to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. We will simply make it happen because it is what we do in better weather, longer days and more sunshine.

In the blur of today’s cultures, it may become necessary to reflect on the thoughts of forward thinkers from simpler times whose words were intended to better future generations. The following is one of my personal favorites, “Desiderata,” displayed prominently in my office and in my home — I reflect on it often. Its historical origin is of question, but its purity and direction ring true.

In the blur of today’s cultures, it may become necessary to reflect on the thoughts of forward thinkers from simpler times whose words were intended to better future generations. The following is one of my personal favorites, “Desiderata,” displayed prominently in my office and in my home — I reflect on it often. Its historical origin is of question, but its purity and direction ring true.

Spring has always been filled with inspiration for me, in life and in work. Of course, the warmer temperatures tend to lead us outdoors and we are generally more active than in the colder months, yet the newness of life almost makes me feel like a child again. The second Saturday of last month was spent almost entirely outside cutting brush, weeding, prepping container gardens, cleaning gutters, blowing leaves and some general straightening up, or “spring cleaning” as it has come to be known. This year, working in my yard seems to have more purpose; I’ve been putting more heart into it.