Many of us have paid time off over the holidays, but there are those heroes, who either "take one for the team" or are required to work because of the nature of their job. From police officers and emergency workers, to cashiers at the grocery stores, and the food servers bringing others a holiday meal. I have worked some holidays in years past, but this year, I am fortunate to spend time with my family, all the while others are resuming their normal duties. While I enjoy each of these cherished moments to the fullest, I don't want to miss the opportunity to recognize those who are working … [Read more...]
Tempered Mettle and Gifts for Children
I used to pray that our children sailed unscathed through adolescence and young adulthood. As a parent why would we ever want anything less for our kids? Retrospectively, I may have gotten this one wrong. Years ago, as an undergrad resident assistant, come October I would have a small cohort of freshman outside my door. Their stories were similar; academic rock stars in high school, then during the fall semester of college they experienced a couple of missteps, a poor grade or two on a test, a broken relationship and then crash, the wheels came off the bus. Often they planned to head back … [Read more...]