“Sometimes, all we need is a reminder from someone who has walked before us.”

José Navajo was a young burned-out preacher. While spending Mondays with his old retired pastor Jose found his faith reignited.

This began a weekly spiritual direction and mentoring relationship that last for years.

When the old pastor had passed away he left a treasure chest of wisdom behind  for José.  

“When you read this I will no longer be here. I mean, I will not be at your side, although the reality is that I will be there in the fullest sense of the word: I will have finished my race, and I will be enjoying the long-awaited reward of gazing at my Lord face-to-face.”

I’m listening to an Aerosmith concert recorded when I was a teen; I loved Steven Tyler’s voice then, but I like the new old-guy even better.

“Sweet Emotion” is playing.  “Can’t say where I’m gonna be in a year…Said my get up and go musta got up & went.”

Read that again, “my get up and go musta got up & went.“  That sounds like most students, and school faculty, I know.  They want to finish strong, but wow, they’re looking at the finish line, but it looks like a lot of work to get there.

“Of all the four-letter words that are taboo, nothing damages the reputation of an athlete like the word quit.” 1

Mike Schmidt

I am a life-long Chicago Cubs fan.

Throughout his career Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt was called a “Cubbie Killer” because of his success against the Cubs.

So when Mike Schmidt retired abruptly a few years ago many Cubs fans felt relief. I felt sad.  He was a great adversary.

Injuries to Schmidt’s rotator cuff added to his collection of aches and pains. Then after a poor start to the season, Schmidt suddenly chose to announce his retirement.

Recently I’ve written about the value of self-esteem insurance. I think it’s important to access our strengths first.

And, admit your weaknesses second.

Some people admit their weaknesses easily.  Sometimes it’s one of their strengths; for others it’s a weakness.

People who are or are becoming emotionally and spiritually healthy see weaknesses for what they are, challenges. 

People who are not becoming emotionally and spiritually healthy see weaknesses as problems that cause pain they want to avoid, deficits to deny, and shameful secrets to conceal.

You, on the other hand, are still reading.  Congratulations!  You want more for your life than denial and lies.